It really does seem likely that Kyrie Irving will never play for the Brooklyn Nets ever again. The star guard continues to be away from the team because of his refusal to get the COVID-19 vaccine, and according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, he isn't any closer to actually receiving the jab:
While the Nets aren't desperately trying to trade Kyrie, they are open to the idea. I mean, with the way he feels about getting vaccinated, there is simply nothing that will change Irving's mind right now. With NYC's COVID-19 mandates, the chances of him playing for Brooklyn this season is literally zero.
The Nets would undoubtedly love to have him back in the rotation, but they're not exactly struggling without him. Steve Nash's squad is currently first in the Eastern Conference with a 15-6 record and has gone 8-2 in their last 10 after beating the New York Knicks on Tuesday night.
Kevin Durant is leading the Association in scoring and basically carrying the offensive load for the Nets, while James Harden is starting to find his groove after a slow start.
New York isn't going to change the rules when it comes to the vaccine. If Kyrie Irving really wants to chase a title with this team, he'll need to have a change of heart. Or else, the veteran will find himself leaving town.