NBA Storylines: The Kyrie Irving Saga

Brooklyn Nets Say Kyrie Irving Can’t Join Team Until Vaccinated

The Kyrie Irving saga in Brooklyn got another twist on Tuesday when the team announced their star point guard would be ineligible to join the team if he remains unvaccinated. Team owner Sean Marks made the announcement on Tuesday. Irving’s decision to not comply with the New York City COVID-19 vaccination mandate meant he would be unable to play in 43 games this season.

Irving has yet to make a personal announcement about how he will handle the situation. It looks like the 29-year-old point guard could opt to retire unless traded to another city without a vaccination mandate.

Additional Storylines

Washington Post: Nets Give Kyrie Irving Ultimatum: Get Vaccinated or Stay Home

ESPN: Did the Nets Make the Right Choice With Kyrie Irving? (Video: PTI)

Ben Simmons Returns to 76ers

Among Monday’s other NBA storylines was the shocking return of Ben Simmons to Philadelphia. The 76ers guard previously demanded a trade and said he’d never play for the team again. After negotiations between the Sixers and Simmons’ agent, Rich Paul, he returned to the team on Tuesday.

Additional Storylines

PhillyVoice: Embiid, Sixers Teammates Prepare for Awkward Simmons’ Return

The Ringer: What We Know—And Don’t Know—About Ben Simmons’s Return to Philadelphia

Photo: Steven Ryan / Getty Images