Kyrie Irving will sit out the 2025-26 season as he continues rehabilitation from ACL reconstruction, a blow felt by Mavericks fans who hoped for a different fate after the trade that reshaped Dallas. Irving hasn’t played for the Mavericks since he injured his left knee in March 2025 against the Lakers, and the team confirmed on Wednesday, just before they exit the All-Star break, that he won’t return this season.
“I didn’t make this decision lightly, but it’s the right one,” Irving stated through the franchise. “I’m grateful for the Mavericks organization, my teammates, and the fans who’ve supported me throughout this journey. I’m eager to come back stronger next season. My belief and drive only grow stronger.”
This morning’s announcement makes it official: Irving will not participate in the 2025-26 NBA campaign while he recovers from ACL surgery performed in 2025.
Dallas saluted his resilience with a note of anticipation for his return, and fans greeted the update with mixed emotion as the club contends with a nine-game losing streak—the longest streak in 28 years and a season already slipping away from playoff contention.
The 33-year-old guard, a nine-time All-Star, will mark a rare deviation in his 15-year career by missing an entire season for the first time. Irving suffered the ACL tear on March 3; the Mavericks’ path forward now centers on rebuilding around Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 pick, while Irving remains involved from afar.
The franchise highlighted Irving’s relationship with Flagg, noting that Irving respects the young forward’s work ethic and loves his passion for the game. Co-interim general manager Michael Finley described Irving as embracing a mentorship role for the rookie.
Dallas also noted that Irving will stay actively engaged with the team for the remainder of the season, as the Mavericks navigate a period of transition following the trade that sent Anthony Davis to Washington and signaled a redefinition of their long-term plans after an earlier high-stakes deal involving Luka Dončić. The organization has publicly stated its aim to build around Flagg while leveraging Irving’s experience.
In his farewell remarks for the season, Irving offered gratitude to everyone who has battled back from ACL injuries, praising their courage and resilience.
Before this setback, Irving enjoyed two productive seasons with Dallas after a controversial departure from Brooklyn and a notable stint in Boston. Drafted first overall by Cleveland in 2011, he later earned an NBA championship with LeBron James in 2016.
Across 779 career games, Irving has averaged 23.7 points and 5.6 assists per game, shot close to 40% from three, and hit free throws at an 89% clip, underscoring his scoring ability and clutch performance when healthy.
