Kyrie Irving hoping to restart extension talks with Nets after the season

Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets were reportedly close to four-year, $186 million deal last year before contract talks broke down due to the point guard's refusal to get the vaccine. Now, the Nets and Irving seem to be back on the same page.

While Irving still refuses to get the vaccine, the team eventually allowed him to return to play, despite the fact that he could only play in road games. But the New York City mandates that barred Irving from playing games at Barclays Center were lifted Thursday, meaning the seven-time All-Star can begin playing Brooklyn's full schedule.

Irving, 30, met with reporters after hearing the news and said he's looking forward to finally getting the extension done.

"I think for me, it has always been about being comfortable, loving where I'm at, and I love it here," Irving said, via the New York Post. "Once that summertime hits, I know we'll have some conversations. But there's no way I can leave my man [Kevin Durant]."

Irving began his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers and spent two seasons with the Boston Celtics before joining the Nets in 2019. This season, he's averaging a career-best 28.5 points per game with 5.5 assists and 4.6 rebounds.