The Brooklyn Nets are now expected to miss at least half of the team's regular season games because of vaccinations.
"I think we admit he didn't play the home game," head coach Steve Nash told reporters Sunday. "Without him this year, we're definitely going to play. So it all depends on when, where and how much.
New York City law requires the COVID-19 vaccine to compete within New York City in 2021-22. Irving also couldn't practice with the team, but according to the stadium and athletics team's Shams Charania, he was approved to participate after officials determined the facility was a private office building.
Owen declined to disclose his vaccinations on a media day last month, saying he wanted to keep the information private.
The point guard has been on a contract of $35.3 million this season, meaning he loses about $380,000 for every home game he misses.
Irving will also not qualify for road games against the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers this season because of internal city restrictions.
That put the Nets in a bind, especially according to Fox Sports' Nick Wright, whose agent said he would retire if traded.
Nash's comments suggest that when Irving is not eligible to play, the team will move forward unconditionally.
The 29-year-old is an influential player on the court, qualifying for the All-Star Game seven times in his 10-year career. In 54 games in 2020-21, he averaged 26.9 points and 6.0 assists per game.
If Irving can't play, Brooklyn has other offensive weapons, notably Kevin Miller. Durant and James · Harden. The other two stars have a total of seven scoring titles, and they should be able to fill that gap when Irving isn't around.