Kyrie Irving ruled out for remainder of season, expected return in 2026-2027
Kyrie Irving will not play again this season with Dallas. The Mavericks point guard, still rehabilitating after tearing his ACL in March 2025, is now targeting a full return for the 2026-2027 season.
Jan 28, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The Dallas Mavericks officially announced Wednesday what many feared: Kyrie Irving will not play any more games this season. The 33-year-old point guard, injured nearly a year ago, has decided to extend his rehabilitation to return at his best level next season.
Irving tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on March 3, 2025 during a loss against Sacramento (122-98). This injury had already kept him out for the final 20 games of last season. Initially, a return was anticipated around January 2026, but the timeline has been extended.
A carefully considered decision to aim for the title
« This decision wasn’t easy, but it’s the right one, » Irving said in an official statement. « I’m grateful to the Mavericks organization, my teammates and our fans for their continued support throughout the process. I look forward to coming back stronger next season. The belief and determination I have inside me only continues to grow. »
His agent, Shetellia Riley Irving, told ESPN that « the idea is for Kyrie to be at 1000% upon his return and give himself the best chance to compete for a title next season. » A cautious approach that is also explained by Dallas’s sporting situation.
The Mavericks are going through a difficult period with a record of 19 wins and 35 losses, placing them 12th in the Western Conference. The team just suffered nine consecutive losses and is clearly heading toward a rebuild after Anthony Davis‘s trade to the Washington Wizards earlier this month.
Irving, a nine-time All-Star, was averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists in his last complete season, with a remarkable 40.1% three-point shooting. His absence represents a crucial loss for the Mavericks’ offense, but allows the organization to focus on the future with Cooper Flagg as the new centerpiece of the project.
Irving’s return is expected at the start of the 2026-2027 season, marking what will be his first complete season missed in 15 years of NBA career.
BREAKING: The Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving will continue to rehabilitate his surgically repaired left knee for the rest of the season and push his comeback into next season. pic.twitter.com/EVNNnlIdaG
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 18, 2026
With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.
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