Skip to content

Report: Kyrie could return Sunday vs. Grizzlies

Jesse D. Garrabrant / National Basketball Association / Getty

Kyrie Irving could return to the Brooklyn Nets as soon as Sunday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies, as the guard is nearing completion of the terms for reinstatement from his team-issued suspension, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Nets suspended Irving for a minimum of five games Nov. 3 for failing to disavow antisemitism after he tweeted a link to a film containing several antisemitic tropes. He already missed seven consecutive contests and is expected to miss an eighth Thursday against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Brooklyn reportedly gave Irving a list of steps he must satisfy in order to return to the team, the first of which was a public apology. On the same day the team announced his suspension, the 30-year-old issued a statement on his Instagram apologizing to Jewish families and communities who were "hurt and affected" by his actions.

Irving subsequently spoke with Nets owner Joe Tsai and NBA commissioner Adam Silver in separate meetings, and both executives said they don't believe the Nets star is antisemitic. Silver, however, said Irving's posting of "hateful content" caused damage.

The National Basketball Players Association worked with the league, the Nets, and Irving in the hopes of helping the guard satisfy the necessary requirements and facilitate his return.

"Kyrie is continuing his journey of dialogue and education," NBPA executive director Tamika Tremaglio told Wojnarowski on Wednesday. "He has been grappling with the full weight of the impact of his voice and actions, particularly in the Jewish community.

"Kyrie rejects antisemitism in any form, and he's dedicated to bettering himself and increasing his level of understanding. He plans to continue this journey well into the future to ensure that his words and actions align with his pursuit of truth and knowledge."

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox