Kyrie Irving is coming off a season where he was an extremely productive member of the Dallas Mavericks.
The former Duke star had averages of 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.3 steals per contest while shooting 47.3% from the field and 40.1% from three-point range in 50 games.
However, Irving has yet to appear in a game so far this season.
Dallas Mavericks Announce Kyrie Irving News
On Wednesday, the Mavs made a major announcement about Irving.
Via Mavs PR: “The Dallas Mavericks announced today that guard Kyrie Irving will not return to play during the 2025-26 NBA season as he continues his recovery from ACL reconstruction surgery performed in 2025.”
The Dallas Mavericks announced today that guard Kyrie Irving will not return to play during the 2025-26 NBA season as he continues his recovery from ACL reconstruction surgery performed in 2025.
Full Release: https://t.co/1YhqoDPMqd
— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) February 18, 2026
Here’s what people were saying about the news:
Shams Charania: “Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving will miss the season to allow himself additional time to fully heal from the torn ACL he suffered last March. Irving will make his return for the 2026–27 season.”
Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving will miss the season to allow himself additional time to fully heal from the torn ACL he suffered last March. Irving will make his return for the 2026–27 season. pic.twitter.com/hfqAiRTPP4
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 18, 2026
StatMuse: “Kyrie as a Mav: — 25.5 PPG (2nd in franchise history) — 5.1 APG — 1.3 SPG — 49/40/92% Out for the rest of the season.”
Kyrie as a Mav:
— 25.5 PPG (2nd in franchise history)
— 5.1 APG
— 1.3 SPG
— 49/40/92%Out for the rest of the season. pic.twitter.com/wVikxgqBws
— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 18, 2026
Marc Stein: “BREAKING: The Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving will continue to rehabilitate his surgically repaired left knee for the rest of the season and push his comeback into next season.”
BREAKING: The Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving will continue to rehabilitate his surgically repaired left knee for the rest of the season and push his comeback into next season. pic.twitter.com/EVNNnlIdaG
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 18, 2026
Isaac Harris: “Kyrie Irving’s statement on missing the rest of the season to continue his rehab.”
Kyrie Irving’s statement on missing the rest of the season to continue his rehab. pic.twitter.com/D9nbwutVz1
— Isaac Harris (@IsaacLHarris) February 18, 2026
Irving was the first pick in the 2011 NBA Draft after one season of college basketball.
Over 14 seasons, the future Hall of Famer has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets (and Dallas Mavericks).
His career averages are 23.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.3 steals per contest while shooting 47.4% from the field and 39.4% from three-point range in 779 games.
This morning we announced that Kyrie Irving will not return to play during the 2025-26 NBA season as he continues his recovery from ACL reconstruction surgery performed in 2025.
Can’t wait until you’re back on the court, Kai 🫶 #MFFL pic.twitter.com/VQPzo8000p
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) February 18, 2026
The Mavs are currently the 12th seed in the Western Conference with a 19-35 record in 54 games.
They are in the middle of a nine-game losing streak.
Following the All-Star break, the Mavs will resume action when they visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.
Kyrie will NOT be making a return this season, per @ShamsCharania 😔
>
>He will be taking additional time to fully heal his torn ACL 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Je4uq20dah— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 18, 2026
The Mavs are currently building around rookie sensation Cooper Flagg.
He was the first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft out of Duke.
