NEW YORK – Kyrie Irving rejoined the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday and said he was absent in part because he “needed a break.”
Irving practiced with the team and could play Wednesday in Cleveland. He has missed the last seven games, five while out of the team and two more while regaining his fitness after being eligible to return.
Irving did not give a clear reason for his absence during a Zoom interview, saying he had many family and personal things happening while he had to attend.
Irving was fined $ 50,000 for violating NBA health and safety protocols after he was seen at a family party indoors without wearing a mask in a video posted on social media during his absence. He also lost nearly $ 900,000 of his $ 3.5 million salary because two of the games he lost were during a mandatory quarantine period.
Irving said he was happy to be back with the team, which he acquired from James Harden during his absence. The Nets have won both games since the transaction.