Report: Kyrie Irving could return to Nets this season

There is renewed optimism that star point guard Kyrie Irving could return to play for the Brooklyn Nets this season after all, The Athletic reported Monday.

It's unclear which side harbors the optimism. It's also unclear whether Irving's would-be return signifies a willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19 or the team relaxing its stance to allow Irving to play road games, per the report.

Irving, 29, is sitting out