Kyrie Irving wants to build his legacy with Kevin Durant in Brooklyn. The superstar guard talked to reporters ahead of his home debut with the Nets on Sunday.
Irving, 29, has only played 19 games this season after deciding not to get vaccinated, but has excelled when in the line-up, averaging 27 points, five rebounds and five assists.
Talking to reporters on Saturday, Irving, who is a free agent this summer, expressed his willingness to play in Brooklyn for the coming years, per Alex Schiffer of The Athletic.
Kyrie Irving said the plan is to re-sign with the Nets this summer. Doesn’t want to leave Kevin Durant and wants to build a legacy in Brooklyn with him. — Alex Schiffer (@Alex__Schiffer) March 26, 2022
Irving could not play in the Nets’ home games due to the vaccination mandate for the private sector workers.
Despite athletes playing for New York teams requiring vaccination to play, visiting players were not subjected to the same requirements.
With the new exemption for in-town athletes and performers kicking in on Thursday, Irving will be eligible to compete in front of the Brooklyn crowd on Sunday vs Charlotte.
“It’s a long time coming,” Nets star forward Kevin Durant said, per ESPN. “It’s an exciting time for Brooklyn Nets fans and New York fans to see one of our own back on the floor at home.”
Durant and Irving have teamed up for eight games this season so far. The Nets have scored 128.6 points per 100 possessions and were a +15.9 as a duo through eight eight contest.
Kyrie to play in home games came at an ideal timing for the Nets as their positioning in the play-in tournament means they likely will need to win a home game to earn their way into the playoffs.
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