The Dallas Mavericks have confirmed that Kyrie Irving will not play at any point during the 2025-2026 NBA season as he continues his recovery from a torn ACL sustained last year. Although earlier projections indicated Irving might rejoin the team near the middle of the current season, recent developments have ruled out any game appearances before the next season begins. This cautious approach appears influenced by the Mavericks’ low standing in the Western Conference rather than any complications in Irving’s rehabilitation.
As of February 24, the Mavericks hold a 20-36 record, placing them 12th in the highly competitive Western Conference.
Encouraging Signs Evident in Irving’s Rehabilitation Progress
Despite the team’s disappointing season, there is some optimism regarding Irving’s recovery. NBA insider Marc Stein reports that the veteran guard is expected to resume full-speed practice drills in the near future, signaling steady progress.
League sources say that Dallas is hopeful Kyrie Irving will return to a full-speed practice or two at some point during the final six weeks of the regular season even though Irving has been ruled out from playing in an actual game again before next season.
?Marc Stein, NBA Insider
While this update falls short of a return to in-game action this season, it confirms Irving’s rehabilitation is advancing without unforeseen setbacks, providing hope for his full recovery and future contributions.
Challenges Facing the Mavericks Beyond Irving’s Recovery
The 2025-2026 season began under heavy scrutiny after the Mavericks parted ways with Luka Doncic, with expectations that a core featuring Anthony Davis, Cooper Flagg, and Kyrie Irving would keep the team competitive. However, the campaign quickly took a difficult turn.
Anthony Davis was sidelined multiple times due to injuries and eventually was traded to the Washington Wizards at the deadline, shifting the team’s dynamics significantly. Meanwhile, rising star Cooper Flagg has faced his own injury challenges.
Given the team’s current position outside playoff contention and Irving’s lengthy recovery, rushing him back to play at 33 years old appears unwise. This situation suggests the Mavericks will shift their focus toward rebuilding and preparing for the upcoming 2025-2026 season and beyond.
Looking Ahead: Irving’s Role and Contract Outlook
Kyrie Irving is expected to remain with Dallas barring unexpected offseason transactions. He is set to earn $33.4 million in the next season, with a $42.4 million player option in 2028. That future decision will likely hinge on whether the Mavericks have reestablished themselves as legitimate contenders by then.
When healthy, Irving would provide a critical boost to Cooper Flagg, who handled point guard responsibilities during his rookie season. In Irving’s last completed season, he averaged 24.7 points per game, shooting 47 percent from the field and 40 percent from beyond the arc, alongside 4.6 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game.
If Irving returns to full strength, his veteran leadership and scoring ability could significantly enhance Dallas’ prospects in upcoming seasons, assuming the team regains competitive form in the Western Conference.
