Nets’ Jacque Vaughn Confirms Kyrie Irving’s Absence Saturday Was Excused

Nets guard Kyrie Irving requested a trade away from the franchise on Friday, and subsequently did not suit up for the team’s victory over the Wizards on Saturday night.

Irving was officially ruled out of the contest with calf soreness, leading many to wonder if the absence was excused given his trade request and his desire to play elsewhere.

When asked about Irving missing the contest, Nets coach Jacque Vaughn confirmed that his decision to sit out was excused.

“From our standpoint, it was that we all were in agreeance [sic] of him not being here tonight,” Vaughn said after the 125–123 comeback win over Washington.

Vaughn did not elaborate on whether or not the excused absence was due to the calf injury or the trade request, but it’s likely fair to say that we’ve seen the last of Irving in a Nets uniform before Thursday’s trade deadline. 

If Irving does not end up getting traded, it will be interesting to see if he continues to play for the Nets as they jockey for position in the playoff chase in the East.