Mavericks Guard Irving Sidelined Until 2026-27 Season

Nine-time All-Star to miss entire 2026-26 season as he recovers from knee surgery

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving will not play this season as he continues to recover from knee surgery, the team confirmed on Wednesday. The nine-time All-Star, who had surgery last March to repair a torn left ACL, is expected to return in the 2026-27 season.

Why it matters

Irving's extended absence is a significant blow to the Mavericks, who have struggled without him on the court. The team is 42-75 without Irving since he joined in 2023, including a 19-35 record this season.

The details

Irving, who turns 34 next month, is making 'steady progress in rehabilitation and will remain actively engaged with the team through the remainder of the season,' the Mavericks said. He missed the final 20 games of the 2024-25 season after the injury and averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.3 steals in 50 games (all starts) that season.

  • Irving had surgery last March to repair a torn left ACL.
  • Irving is expected to return in the 2026-27 season.

The players

Kyrie Irving

A nine-time NBA All-Star guard who joined the Dallas Mavericks in a trade in February 2023. He is recovering from knee surgery and expected to miss the entire 2026-26 season.

Dallas Mavericks

The NBA team that Kyrie Irving plays for, based in Dallas, Texas.

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What they’re saying

“This decision wasn't easy, but it's the right one. I am grateful for the Mavericks organization, my teammates and our fans for their continued support throughout the process. I am looking forward to coming back stronger next season. The belief and drive I have inside only grows.”

— Kyrie Irving (Mavericks statement)

“And I wanted to send a huge shoutout to ALL of my brothers and sisters out there who've torn their ACL or gotten injured doing what they love to do every day. THANK YOU for the inspiration. No fear!”

— Kyrie Irving (Mavericks statement)

What’s next

The Mavericks will need to find ways to remain competitive without their star guard Kyrie Irving for the entire 2026-26 season as he continues his recovery from knee surgery.

The takeaway

Kyrie Irving's extended absence due to his knee injury is a significant setback for the Dallas Mavericks, who have struggled without him on the court. The team will need to find ways to remain competitive in his absence and look forward to his return in the 2026-27 season.