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Did Kyrie Irving just respond to report about potential return to Nets?

By Jordanna Clark

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 01: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles during the second half of Game Five of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics at Barclays Center on June 01, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 01: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles during the second half of Game Five of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics at Barclays Center on June 01, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Kyrie Irving knows exactly what he’s doing. The morning after Shams Charania reported that there was increased optimism Irving would be rejoining the Brooklyn Nets this season, Irving took to social media to keep the rumor mill hot.

The clip posted to Irving’s Instagram story featured him putting on a fresh new pair of his Nike Kyrie 8 shoes. In a non-speculative sense, maybe it was just a way for him to promote his brand — but the timing makes it seem like it’s something with greater meaning. Irving’s increased his communication with teammate Kevin Durant and the two have been chatting about Brooklyn’s games as well as Irving’s fit in the lineup, according to Charania.

Irving made it clear on Instagram Live that he doesn’t plan on retiring from basketball, and that was two months ago. Perhaps it’s his love of the game that’s drawing him back to the Nets, but it’s still unclear as to how he’ll get there. Will he get vaccinated? Or will Brooklyn ease its restrictions and allow him to be a part-time player?

However it happens, a lot of Nets fans are now paying close attention to Irving’s social media. Just as it started to seem like he wouldn’t be playing for Brooklyn at all this season, things are looking up for the Nets. A single pair of shoes can hold a lot of meaning, we guess.

Is Kyrie Irving hinting at a return to the Brooklyn Nets?

First, fans were given a 51-point performance by Durant on Sunday. On Monday, the report that there was a possibility Irving would play for the Nets this year came to light. Here we are on Tuesday, and Irving’s putting on a pair of shoes! How exciting.

Christmas is right around the corner, and if Irving does rejoin the team, Brooklyn will be given a pretty unforgettable gift. The other 29 NBA teams wouldn’t feel the same way, though, especially the Nets’ opponents in the Eastern Conference.

Lest we forget, this is all still speculation. It could be a tease, but it does seem like it’s a bit more than that. Irving’s been out of the public eye for the most part, and all of a sudden sources have said that he’s going to play for Brooklyn again? Where has this come from? Why? How? It’s really not clear.

If Irving does decide to play for the Nets again, let’s understand it’s likely going to take some time before he’ll step foot on the court. He hasn’t played in a game since June 13, when Brooklyn lost to Milwaukee in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. He was injured in that contest and hasn’t practice with his teammates in months.

Nevertheless, Irving’s potential return is getting louder. And if he’s lacing them up, we’ll take that as a positive sign over anything else.