Kyrie Irving Suspension: Could The Nets Star Be Released? When He Might Play Again

There have been plenty of calls for the Brooklyn Nets to release Kyrie Irving since the point guard promoted an antisemitic movie on social media. After suspending Irving, who apologized Thursday after turning down multiple chances to do so, the Nets don't seem to be close to cutting ties with the athlete.

"No," Nets General Manager Sean Marks said Friday when asked if the team considered waiving Irving. "Not at this point in time."

Brooklyn has suspended Irving for at least five games. The seven-time All-Star will miss upcoming matchups against the Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers. Irving could potentially return on Nov. 13 against the Los Angeles Lakers, though the team might choose to extend his suspension beyond that date.

Irving's suspension will last no less than five games, and the Nets have said he won't play again until he "satisfies a series of objective remedial measures that address the harmful impact of his conduct."

Marks indicated that the apology Irving posted on Instagram after being suspended is just the first step that he needs to take before getting back on the court.

"I think after anything like this, you would always hope that there's a change," Marks said. "There's a change in feelings, a change in attitude, I think, per his apology, that's a step in the right direction. But as we've sort of stated, actions speak louder than words. And so he's had some time and there will be more time to reflect on that.

"... He's going to have to sit down [with Jewish leaders]. He's going to have to sit down with the organization after this. And we'll evaluate and see if this is the right opportunity to bring him back."

Irving is in the final year of his contract.

The Nets are 2-6 to start the 2022-23 NBA season. Brooklyn entertained trading Irving and Kevin Durant in the offseason before bringing the superstars back for another year.

If the Nets continue to struggle on the court, it won't be surprising if the team revisits moving on from its best players.