The Brooklyn Nets have re-signed Kyrie Irving to their roster for away games in an attempt to deal with their growing list of absentees.
The Nets had previously ruled Irving out of all games until he agreed to take the coronavirus vaccine, something the 29-year-old has so far refused to do.
Players must be vaccinated to play in matches held in New York, meaning that Irving is still unable to feature in home games.
However, a worsening injury crisis within the Nets roster, in addition to a heavy workload on star players Kevin Durant and James Harden, has caused the Brooklyn-based franchise to bring Irving back into the fold for all games where he is eligible.
"We arrived at this decision with the full support of our players and after careful consideration of our current circumstances, including players missing games due to injuries and health and safety protocols," read a statement from Nets general manager Sean Marks.
"The addition of Kyrie will not only make us a better team but allow us to balance the physical demand on the entire roster.
"We look forward to Kyrie's return to the line-up, as well as getting our entire roster back together on the court."
Irving - a seven-time NBA All-Star - has not featured yet this season due to his stance on the vaccine.
In addition to all of Brooklyn's home games, he will also not be allowed to play in away games against the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors. body check tags ::
