Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving returns after 19 months, questions NBA future
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The gist
Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving returned after a 19-month ACL absence, scoring 15 in a 128-110 loss at Houston.
His doubts about playing into his 40s put his $42.4 million option in focus.
Background
Kyrie Irving is a Dallas Mavericks guard, eight-time All-Star and the No. 1 overall pick in 2011. He tore the ACL in his left knee on Mar 3, 2025, missed the entire 2025-26 season, and is in the second year of a three-year, roughly $119 million contract. His return comes as Dallas, 26-56 last season without him, pairs him with reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg; days before the opener he told reporters he doesn't see himself playing at 42 or 43, calling the league 'less human' and 'more robotic.'
How it unfolded
- Mar 3, 2025Irving tears the ACL in his left knee against the Sacramento Kings, sidelining him for 19 months and the entire 2025-26 season.
- 2025Irving signs a three-year, roughly $119 million contract with the Mavericks, including a player option for 2027-28.
- Oct 11, 2026Irving returns in the preseason, scoring 17 points against the Houston Rockets in Macao.
- Oct 19, 2026Irving tells reporters he does not see himself playing in the NBA at 42 or 43 and calls the league 'less human' and 'more robotic.'
- Oct 21, 2026Irving plays his first regular-season game since March 2025, finishing with 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting in 24 minutes in a 128-110 loss at Houston.
- Oct 22, 2026Irving calls the Mavericks' second-quarter effort 'just horrendous.'
Who’s saying what
- Player
- Irving said 'It's not the same NBA I fell in love with as a kid,' citing social media and gambling 'running rampant,' though he said he does not mean it as a negative thing.
- Opponent
- Rockets star Kevin Durant said Houston's game plan was 'all him' and that Irving 'looks like he hasn't lost a step at all.'
- Coach
- Mavericks coach Dusty May said the team 'played and competed three of the four quarters' but 'couldn't figure out a way to right the ship' in the second.
- Teammate
- Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg said the team 'got stagnant' and 'didn't have any answers' in the second quarter.
Still unverified
Irving said addictions were widespread among players but did not name any individuals or specific cases; he also 'didn't sound sure' that he will still be playing in the NBA when he approaches 40.