Mavericks could sideline Kyrie Irving for the rest of the season to protect draft position
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Dallas — The Mavericks are considering keeping Kyrie Irving off the court until next season as the club weighs the benefits of a healthier roster against its draft outlook, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported.
Irving, 34, tore the ACL in his left knee in early March and has not been cleared for practice. Although the eight-time All-Star is eager to play, league sources told ESPN that internal talks are underway about shelving him through at least the 2026-27 campaign.
Dallas enters Tuesday 12th in the Western Conference, outside the play-in tournament. Front-office officials reportedly view the remainder of 2026 as pivotal; that draft is the last year the Mavericks control their own first-round pick until 2031. A lower finish this season could strengthen that selection.
Irving was highly productive a year ago, averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists across 50 games while shooting 47.3 percent from the field, 40.1 percent from deep and 91.6 percent at the line. Dallas rewarded him with a three-year, $118 million contract that pays $36.6 million this season and includes a $42.4 million player option for 2027-28.
No timetable has been set for a final decision on Irving’s status.
Source: Hoops Wire
