Kyrie Irving is no stranger to posting cryptic tweets. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving currently finds himself in a precarious situation. He refuses to get the COVID-19 vaccination. This is problematic because New York requires pro athletes who practice or play indoors to show proof of at least one vaccine shot.

Translation: Irving, as things currently stand, cannot participate in Nets home games.

There was initially some hope that Kevin Durant would be able to convince Irving to get his shots, but it appears he was unable to do so. Now that it is sinking in that Irving will not get vaccinated, his relationship with the Nets is rapidly deteriorating.

This week, amid trade rumors and backlash, Irving offered a cryptic four-word response:

What precisely is Irving trying to say there? Well, that’s for everyone to decipher on their own.

Irving’s vaccination status, barring a change, is going to cost him a lot of money. That said, for the time being, he seems steadfast in his refusal to relent.

Most sports books have Brooklyn as the favorite to win a championship next year — if Irving gets his shots and is able to play. Should that not occur, however, the title picture will suddenly open up tremendously.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Cardinals switch up offensive line, move 2023 first-rounder to new position
Commanders poach another key overseer of Lions rebuild
Commanders to hire veteran executive as player personnel director
Guardians designate outfielder for assignment
Patriots' Drake Maye starts OTAs in surprising position
Bettors are buying Bronny James hype before the 2024 NBA Draft
Mets release veteran infielder
Anderson Silva, Chael Sonnen will finish off their trilogy in a boxing ring
Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren highlight 2023-24 All-Rookie team
Jaguars' Doug Pederson discusses Trevor Lawrence contract extension
Saints, star CB 'moving forward' following trade chatter
Pacers ride historic shooting performance to Game 7 blowout of Knicks
Timberwolves mount incredible second-half comeback to stun Nuggets in Game 7
Xander Schauffele proves doubters wrong with historic win at 2024 PGA Championship
Four things we learned from Joey Logano's All-Star Race win at North Wilkesboro
Phil Foden lifts Manchester City to fourth consecutive English Premier League title
Watch: Aaron Judge blasts 13th home run in Yankees' seventh straight win
Canucks won't have linchpin forward for Game 7 vs. Oilers
Jags reportedly mulling extension for Trevor Lawrence, but is that the right choice?
Gordon Hayward calls role with Thunder 'frustrating'