Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season as he recovers from knee surgery performed last March to repair a torn left ACL. The nine-time All-Star, who has not played this season, is expected to return for the 2026-27 campaign. Irving's agent, Shetellia Riley Irving, told ESPN that the decision ensures he'll be "1,000%" when he comes back.

Despite the setback, there remains optimism that Irving could return to practice before season's end to begin building on-court chemistry with rookie sensation Cooper Flagg. The 33-year-old previously missed the final 20 games of last season after suffering the same knee injury. Since joining the Mavericks during the 2022-23 season, Dallas has posted a 75-53 record with Irving in the lineup compared to just 42-75 in games he's missed.

The Mavericks currently sit fourth in the Southwest Division with a 19-35 record heading into the post-All-Star break portion of their schedule. Dallas signaled its intention to rebuild earlier this month by trading Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards in a nine-player blockbuster deal.