Nets' Durant pulled from game vs. Raptors due to health protocols

Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant was pulled in the third quarter of Friday's game against the Toronto Raptors due to health and safety protocols and won't return, the team announced.

The NBA decided on Durant's removal from the contest, sources told ESPN's Malika Andrews.

The situation unfolded after Durant didn't start the game due to protocols but then entered the contest in the first quarter.

Durant was held out of the game's start because of an inconclusive COVID-19 test by somebody he interacted with earlier Friday, the league said, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania. That person reportedly later tested positive, prompting Durant's removal from the matchup.

Durant missed three games due to contact tracing in January. He tested positive for COVID-19 last March.

While the Nets and league were still conferring Friday, it's unlikely Durant will travel with the team to Philadelphia for Saturday's game against the 76ers, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Durant chimed in about the circumstances shortly after leaving the contest.

Friday's brief, 19-minute appearance marked the first time the 10-time All-Star came off the bench in his 14-year career. He scored eight points on 3-of-8 shooting.