The Brooklyn Nets shook up the league by trading James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for a package centered around Ben Simmons in a blockbuster move. Part of the reason for the trade was Harden's growing discomfort with the club.

Part of Harden's desire to leave stemmed from Kyrie Irving's status as a part-time player. He has yet to take the COVID-19 vaccine and still can only play in away games. With Kevin Durant sidelined with an MCL injury, this left Harden as the lone star standing for long stretches. Irving even admitted that he may be to blame for some of Harden's issues with the team.

Irving still refuses to comply with New York City's vaccination mandate and made his stance clear when a Nets fan asked if he would get the vaccine.

In 13 games this season, Irving is averaging 23.8 points and 5.4 assists per game. He is still roughly the same player he always has been, which exacerbates Brooklyn's dismay with his stubbornness.

Irving may be lucky enough to get back to playing full-time without having to waver on his choice. New York Governor Kathy Hochul is expected to lift the state's indoor mask/vaccine mandate soon. New York City Mayor Eric Adams still has to do the same for the city before Irving can play, but Hochul's decision is a start.

Irving coming back to play for good would be great news for Brooklyn, as he can help usher in a new star trio alongside Durant and Simmons.