In a stunning announcement that has rocked the NBA and sent shockwaves through Boston—where Kyrie Irving once led the Celtics on a memorable playoff run—the superstar guard has made the shocking decision to sit out the remainder of the 2025-26 season.
Dallas Mavericks fans will have to wait even longer to see their star back in action. Irving will not return this year as he continues to recover from the torn ACL he suffered in March 2025. The Mavericks confirmed the news on Wednesday, making clear that the organization’s sole focus is ensuring Irving achieves a full, healthy recovery with his sights firmly set on dominating in the 2026-27 season.
In an emotional statement, Irving expressed deep gratitude to the Mavericks organization, his teammates, and the fans who have stood by him. “This decision wasn’t easy, but it’s the right one,” he said. “I am looking forward to coming back stronger next season. The belief and drive I have inside only grows.”
Irving also took time to speak directly to athletes everywhere who have battled similar setbacks, offering encouragement: “ALL of my brothers and sisters out there who’ve torn their ACL or gotten injured doing what they love.”
There had been growing optimism that Irving could make a return by January—approximately 10 months post-surgery. However, recent front-office moves within the Mavericks organization shifted the timeline. The team traded Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards and has now committed to building around young talent, headlined by top prospect Cooper Flagg.
The Mavericks are currently enduring a painful stretch, sitting at 19-35 with a nine-game losing streak. They sit 12th in the Western Conference, seven games behind the Los Angeles Clippers for the final play-in spot.
Irving’s agent, Shetellia Riley Irving, emphasized that health remains the top priority: “This is about Kyrie being 1,000% when he comes back and giving himself the best chance to chase a championship next season.”
Before the injury, Irving was putting together another stellar campaign, averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.3 steals in 50 games while shooting 47.3% from the field, 40.1% from three-point range, and 91.6% from the free-throw line.
While the current season continues without him, Mavericks fans—and basketball fans everywhere, including in Boston—can now look ahead to a fully healed, even more determined Kyrie Irving returning next season ready to chase another title.