Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving has been in the headlines for the last few days after it was revealed that he hasn’t received the COVID-19 vaccine as the NBA season quickly nears. That being said, he would be forced to miss home games for the Nets because of New York’s statewide mandates.

While Irving did miss media day on Monday because of his vaccination status, Kevin Durant said how he believes that his teammate will be available for Brooklyn when it comes down to it. According to sources close to Yahoo Sports, it’s believed that KD could sway Irving to getting the jab after all:

“Irving couldn’t participate in the on-site media day festivities, and league sources believe Irving will wind up taking the vaccine, citing influence from his close friend and teammate Kevin Durant.”

The Nets would be delighted if this happened and to be honest, at this point, it seems like the only possible solution. They can’t really be without Kyrie for home games because as we know, there’s no big 3 unless Durant, James Harden, and Irving are all present.

Durant had this to say about the whole situation:

“That’s on Kyrie. It’s his personal decision. What he does is not on us to speculate what may happen. But we trust in Kyrie and I expect us to have our full team at some point.”

Without actually saying “Hey Kyrie, get the vaccine”, KD basically insinuated it. Irving knows deep down that he would be letting the Nets down if he continues to opt against the vaccine. Sure, he has his reasons, but the ultimate goal is to win a championship, and that only happens if Brooklyn is at full strength.

It will be interesting to see how this situation unfolds over the next few weeks.