New York City permits Irving to attend Nets' practice facility
Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving is cleared to join his teammates at the club's practice facility after the New York City government deemed the venue a private office building, a city hall official told The Athletic's Shams Charania.
However, the seven-time All-Star remains unavailable for games at the Barclays Center due to New York City's vaccine mandate. Nets players need to prove they've received at least one dose to participate in team activities.
The Nets listed Irving as ineligible to play in the team's first home preseason contest, and he hasn't attended any practices in New York.
Brooklyn is reportedly preparing to be without Irving for home games this upcoming season. League spokesman Mike Bass recently stated that unvaccinated players wouldn't be paid for missing games. Irving will forfeit $17.5 million if he sits out all 41 contests at the Barclays Center.
The 2011 No. 1 overall pick reportedly missed last month's media day due to health and safety protocols.
Irving averaged 26.9 points, six assists, 4.8 boards, and 1.4 steals over 54 appearances last season. He'll become an unrestricted free agent next summer if he declines his $36.5-million player option for 2022-23.