The Dallas Mavericks have decided that star guard Kyrie Irving will not return this season as he continues rehabilitation from a torn ACL suffered in March 2025. Irving expressed gratitude for the support and looks forward to a stronger comeback next year. With the team at 19-25, the focus shifts to rookie Cooper Flagg's development and draft positioning.
The Dallas Mavericks announced on Wednesday that Kyrie Irving will sit out the remainder of the season to prioritize his recovery from a torn ACL in his left knee, which occurred in March 2025. Entering the season, the team had kept open the possibility of his return, but that option has now been closed.
"This decision wasn't easy, but it's the right one," Irving said in the team's statement. "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. 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!"
At 19-25, the Mavericks are not in playoff contention and stand to benefit from losses to improve their draft lottery odds. This approach also allows Irving, who will turn 34 by season's end, to avoid rushing his recovery and potential complications. The team had hoped to pair Irving with rookie Cooper Flagg for some games, but his health takes precedence.
The season has unfolded far from initial expectations. In October, playoff aspirations included Anthony Davis and general manager Nico Harrison, but Harrison was fired in mid-November, and Davis was traded in February amid the fallout from the prior Luka Dončić trade. Now, with Flagg as the franchise centerpiece, priorities include hiring a permanent general manager—currently handled by Matt Riccardi and Michael Finley—and building around the rookie.
Looking ahead, next season brings Irving's full recovery and the return of center Dereck Lively II, who had season-ending surgery in December. Potential draft picks and trades involving players like PJ Washington, Naji Marshall, and Daniel Gafford could bolster the roster if the front office hire succeeds.