Kyrie Irving is excited that New York City has lifted their vaccine requirements for home performers. Not only does that enable Irving to play home games this, but it paves the way for him to feel good about re-signing with the Nets this offseason.

“I think for me, it has always been about being comfortable, loving where I’m at, and I love it here,” said Irving. “Once that summertime hits, I know we’ll have some conversations. But there’s no way I can leave my man Number 7 anywhere."

Number 7 refers to Nets forward Kevin Durant. Irving and Durant famously decided to team up in Brooklyn in the 2019 offseason. Durant missed the entirety of that season, while Irving appeared in only 20 games.

On being able to play in home games, Irving said “Please take my comment serious when I say I’ve been pinching myself since Wednesday and Thursday, because there was a time where I got my hopes really, really high and all the air was just let out.

“It’s just a level of disappointment, and I didn’t want to get too excited. And still I’m trying to focus on this game. But I know (Sunday's home game) will eventually come, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to be playing back in Brooklyn.”