Kyrie Irving returning to the Mavericks after the All-Star Game?
Jan 14, 2026
Nicolas Flamecourt
Kyrie Irving will have « the final say » on his return despite Mavericks’ struggles
Irving will control his return date after his ACL tear. The 34-year-old guard could remain sidelined all season as Dallas goes through a difficult period with 19 wins and 35 losses.
Photo Credit : © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Kyrie Irving will be heavily involved in the decision regarding his return to the court this season as he recovers from surgery for an ACL tear. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, « the decision will be collaborative » between the guard and the Dallas Mavericks, with Irving having « the final say on his preferences ».
A delicate situation for Dallas and its future
The latitude given to the player matters even more when you zoom out to the Mavericks’ broader reality. Dallas limped into the All-Star break on a nine-game losing streak — its longest slide since the early 2000s — and at 19–35, sits seven games back of the LA Clippers for the final play-in spot in the West. That’s not just a rough patch. That’s structural.
There’s also the draft math. The 2026 pick is the last first-rounder Dallas controls until 2031. In that light, Marc Stein notes there’s “certainly a strong argument” for Kyrie Irving — who turns 34 on March 23 — to stay sidelined for the remainder of the season. It’s the kind of decision that straddles competitiveness and pragmatism, and right now, pragmatism may be winning.
KYRIE IRVING 👀 The Return 🔥
(🎥 mrdemarce/IG / h/t @kyriecenterig)
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 24, 2025
Irving prioritizes 150% recovery
The guard remains evasive about his intentions, as he showed during a Twitch livestream on Saturday: « For everyone asking questions about whether I’m excited for this year or next year – it doesn’t really matter, guys. I’ll give you an update when the time comes. »
Grant Afseth of the Dallas Hoops Journal reports that « Irving’s recovery is progressing » and the player should « be physically able to play after the All-Star break ». However, Irving recently clarified his philosophy: « My rehab is going well. When I’m 150% healthy, I’ll come back. I want to be better than where I was. »
This approach suggests his return is not imminent and may not happen this season. Extended for three years last June, Irving appears to prioritize complete recovery rather than a rushed return, especially since the playoffs are no longer a realistic goal for Dallas this season.
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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