Rival Executives Suggest Kyrie Irving Shut Down for Season

The Dallas Mavericks star has been sidelined with a torn ACL, and there are concerns about his return to meaningless basketball this year.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Kyrie Irving's return to the Dallas Mavericks this season is in jeopardy, as rival NBA executives have suggested the team should consider shutting him down for the year. Irving has been sidelined with a torn ACL, and there are concerns about the risk of him coming back to play for a non-competitive Mavericks squad that is unlikely to make the playoffs.

Why it matters

Irving is a key part of the Mavericks' long-term plans, but at 34 years old, rushing him back to play for a team that is out of playoff contention could put his future at risk. The Mavericks are prioritizing the development of their young talent, like first-round pick Cooper Flagg, and may decide it's best to have Irving fully recover and return next season when the team is more competitive.

The details

The Mavericks have been vague about a timeline for Irving's return this season, and rival executives believe the team would be wise to hold off on bringing him back until training camp next year. Irving is nearing the one-year mark since undergoing surgery for his torn ACL, but the Mavericks' 19-34 record and current position outside the playoff picture has led some to question the value of Irving risking further injury to play in meaningless games this season.

  • Irving underwent surgery for a torn ACL nearly one year ago.
  • The Mavericks are currently 19-34 and in danger of missing the playoffs.

The players

Kyrie Irving

A 34-year-old star guard for the Dallas Mavericks who is recovering from a torn ACL.

Cooper Flagg

The Mavericks' 2023 first-round draft pick, who the team is focusing on developing as part of their long-term plans.

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What they’re saying

“Irving remains a key part of the Mavs' plans, but it is uncertain if he will play at all this season. The popular opinion of rival executives is that the Mavs, who are seventh in the lottery standings with a 19-34 record, would be wise to put Irving's return on hold until training camp, even if he's cleared to return this season.”

— Tim McMahon, ESPN Reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

The Mavericks will need to evaluate Irving's recovery progress and make a decision in the coming weeks on whether to bring him back this season or wait until next year's training camp.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the difficult balance teams must strike between rushing injured stars back onto the court and protecting their long-term health, especially when the team's playoff hopes are slim. The Mavericks will need to carefully weigh the risks and benefits as they determine the best path forward for Kyrie Irving and the franchise's future.