Kyrie Irving's Return to Mavericks in 2025-26 Season In Question Due to "Other Reasons" Amid 4-11 Start

NBA: Los Angeles Clippers at Dallas Mavericks - Source: Imagn
Kyrie Irving's Return to Mavericks in 2025-26 Season In Question Due to "Other Reasons" Amid 4-11 Start - Source: Imagn

Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving is yet to make his 2025-26 debut due to a torn ACL. ESPN insider Tim MacMahon on a Wednesday episode of “The Hoop Collective,” disclosed that Irving’s return is in doubt for non-health reasons.

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"Kyrie is making great progress in his recovery," said MacMahon. "I would say his return this season is very much in question for... other reasons."
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Irving had surgery for the ACL injury on March 26 and is recovering well, according to former general manager Nico Harrison. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd disclosed that the one-time champion will be back at the end of the year.

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However, MacMahon on a Nov. 12 episode of “The Hoop Collective” gave a different perspective on Irving’s return.

"Kyrie Irving is not on the verge of returning," said MacMahon. "He's making great progress. He's going to continue working to get healthy. Once Irving gets healthy, there will be, and perhaps leading up to it, but there will be discussions.”
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“There will be discussions with Kyrie, you know, with his stepmom/agent, Shetellia Riley Irving, with his medical staff, the Mavericks medical staff, the front office, Patrick Dumont, what is in everybody's best interest, and they might be aligned. The best interest for Kyrie and the franchise might be, hey, let's rest the rest of the season and make sure when you're back next year, it's truly 100%."
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The Mavericks in his absence are 4-11. Injuries to key players like Anthony Davis, and the fallout from the Luka Doncic trade, which led to Harrison’s departure, have not helped matters either.


What’s next for Kyrie Irving and Dallas Mavericks?

Kyrie Irving’s injury has been a blow to the Mavericks this season. Trade rumors linking him to other teams have circulated in the media, though he signed a three-year, $119 million deal that keeps him in Dallas through at least the 2027-28 season.

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Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving looks on during a foul call review during the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving looks on during a foul call review during the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn

The Mavericks have to decide between not rushing his return and seeing his value drop as a result of an extended absence. With the changes made in the front office, many Mavericks fans will eagerly wait to see what happens next.

Mavericks Fan? Check out the latest Dallas Mavericks depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

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Edited by Ubong Richard
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