Kyrie Irving ruled out for remainder of season by Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving will miss the rest of the current campaign as he continues his recovery from major knee surgery.

The 33-year-old has not featured this season after undergoing an operation to repair a torn left anterior cruciate ligament last March.

Irving’s agent confirmed the nine-time All-Star is now targeting a full return for the start of the 2026-27 season.

Focus on long-term fitness

Shetellia Riley Irving told ESPN the decision was made to prioritise the veteran’s conditioning ahead of a future title bid.

“This is about Kyrie being 1,000% when he comes back and giving himself the best chance to chase a championship next season.”

The former Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics playmaker missed the final 20 games of the previous term when he first sustained the injury.

His continued absence is a significant blow to a Dallas side that has struggled to find consistency without their primary ball-handler.

Since the 2016 NBA champion arrived in Texas during the 2022-23 season, the team boasts a 75-53 record with him in the line-up.

Conversely, the franchise has won just 42 of the 117 games played without Irving available.

The Mavericks currently sit fourth in the Southwest Division with a 19-35 record entering the post-All-Star break schedule.

Management signaled a shift in strategy earlier this month by trading Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards.

That nine-player blockbuster deal indicated the beginning of a rebuilding phase for the Western Conference organisation.