Brooklyn Nets stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving have been placed on NBA health and safety protocols, the team confirmed to CNN on Saturday.
Durant and Irving became the eighth and ninth Nets to feature on the list this week. From Monday, Nets star guard James Harden, forward Paul Milsap, LaMarcus Aldridge, DeAndre’ Bembri, James Johnson and guards Jevon Carter and Bruce Bowen were on the list.
Some references: The news came a day after the team announced that Irving would rejoin to practice and play at games outside New York.
Irving, who has said he is unconvinced against Covid-19, was ruled out of the team this season after being ruled out He could not participate in practice or games until he becomes a full participant. Local New York City policy prohibits any non-vaccinated player from playing in home games.
On Saturday, Brooklyn announced that it has signed James Ennis III and guard Shaquille Harrison to 10-day contracts as it deals with the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Nets are scheduled to host the Orlando Magic on Saturday.
Since Irving is away from the team, he needs to test negative for five consecutive days to be allowed to rejoin the team. Being placed on the list indicates that Irving either tested positive, provided an inconclusive test or is believed to have had close contact with someone who tested positive. Same is the case with Durant.
According to the new protocol of the league, from December 26, all players and staff will be tested on game days. Players who have received a booster shot or have recently recovered from the virus will be exempt. The team did not specify whether Irving and Durant tested positive or if they are believed to be close contacts.
Players placed in the NBA’s health and safety protocol must test negative twice in a 24-hour span.