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Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving will miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season in order to fully heal from an ACL tear he sustained last March, his stepmother and agent, Shetellia Riley, confirmed to ESPN's Shams Charania on Wednesday (February 18).
"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," Charania wrote on his X account. "Irving's agent, Shetellia Riley Irving, tells ESPN: 'This is about Kyrie being 1000% when he comes back and giving himself the best chance to chase a championship next season.'"
Irving, 33, underwent successful surgery to repair a torn left knee ACL in March, ruling him out for the remainder of the regular season and postseason. The nine-time All-Star averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists during the 2024-25 NBA season prior to the injury.
Irving declined his $43 million option to instead sign a three-year, $119 million contract to remain with the franchise this past offseason.
"Mavericks officials and Irving’s agent, Shetellia Riley Irving, negotiated the new deal that keeps Irving out of free agency. Irving locks in almost $40 million in annual salary as he rehabilitates a torn ACL, as both sides commit to each other long term," Charania reported at the time.