Kyrie Irving could miss the entire 2025-26 season for “other reasons,” an NBA insider says
Through the first 15 games of the 2025-26 season, the Mavericks are 4-11. The team has a record of 2 wins and 8 losses in the past 10 games and is currently ranked 13th among the 15 teams in the Western Conference.
Injuries have been a major factor early on for Dallas. Anthony Davis has missed the Mavericks’ past 10 games due to a calf strain. On top of that, the Mavericks have been without veteran guard Kyrie Irving. The 33-year-old tore his ACL last March and underwent surgery. “Kyrie has made tremendous progress in his rehab,” ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said, however, noting that Irving could miss the entire 2025-26 season for “other reasons.”
Has Kyrie Irving played his final game in Dallas?
Kyrie Irving has reportedly made huge improvements on the court, but his return this season is in doubt due to “other reasons.” @BannedMacMahon pic.twitter.com/K8pkIA3gjQ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 19, 2025
At the 2022-23 trade deadline, the Nets sent Kyrie Irving to the Mavericks. The veteran guard spent the past three and a half seasons in Dallas. He appeared and started 128 games. In the 2024-25 season, Irving started 50 games for Dallas. Carey averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Additionally, he was selected to the All-Star Game for the ninth time in 14 seasons.
In March 2025, Kyrie Irving tore his ACL and had surgery a few weeks later. Despite the unfortunate injury, Irving is believed to be back for the 2025-26 season. Head coach Jason Kidd said he hopes Irving can return to action before the end of 2025. Of course, this is what Mavericks fans want to hear. However, ESPN’s Tim McMahon has an interesting report on Kyrie Irving’s return this season.
Report: Kyrie Irving has made huge improvements on the court, but his return this season is in doubt due to “other reasons,” according to ESPN#MFFL hour/ton @TheDunkCentral pic.twitter.com/qjzdO5BZ1K
— MFFL (@Mavs_FFL) November 19, 2025
McMahon noted that there was a power struggle in Dallas. He mentioned that Kyrie is actually far away from returning, and that may not be due to his recovery. Speaking on ESPN’s Hoop Collective podcast, Tim MacMahon said “other reasons” could keep Irving out of the game. He mentioned that Kyrie’s return for the 2025-26 season is questionable.
Tim McMahon mentioned there will be discussions between Irving’s party and Dallas’ front office. Depending on how the team is set up, one could argue that a player like Irving is not someone Dallas wants to keep. In June 2025, the Mavericks signed Irving to a three-year, $119 million contract, all of which was guaranteed. It’s a move made by former general manager Nico Harrison, who was fired earlier this month. As the Mavericks try to clean up the mess Harrison caused, what does the future hold for Irving?
