KD envisions Kyrie being 'part of this group' amid unclear future with Nets

Kevin Durant acknowledged he'd prefer to have unvaccinated star guard Kyrie Irving back with the Brooklyn Nets on a regular basis.

"I want (Irving) a part of this group. He's a special player. We want him a part of this group," Durant said following Wednesday's practice, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "But a lot of stuff is out of our control, and we will let him figure that out for himself. It doesn't mean that I will say that I don't want him on the team. He's a huge part of what we do, but guys got to step up in his absence and be who they are and move forward."

Irving missed his second straight day of practice in Brooklyn due to health and safety protocols in New York, which requires at least one COVID-19 vaccination for athletes who play or practice in the city.

The seven-time All-Star's status with the Nets this season remains uncertain. The team is reportedly preparing to be without Irving for home games and practices for the foreseeable future and is still deciding whether to allow him to operate as a part-time player.

Durant added he isn't trying to influence Irving's decision regarding the vaccine and respects whatever choice he makes.

"This is his decision, that's his choice, we all respect it, this is way bigger than hoops. I don't even feel comfortable talking to him about stuff like this," Durant said. "I am just here to support and come in here and do my job as one of the leaders on the team. And when things get figured out, I got trust and hope that it will get figured out."