Irving Reassesses Future, Does Not Expect to Play Into Early 40s

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving, 34, says he will reassess his future over the next few seasons and has not set a retirement date, but does not expect to play into his early 40s. He still loves basketball and competition, but says the NBA has become “less human” and “more robotic,” citing the growing influence of social media, gambling and the demands surrounding the game. Irving is returning for the 2026–27 season after missing all of 2025–26 while recovering from a torn ACL. He has said personal growth and time with family matter more to him than pursuing the same longevity as stars such as LeBron James.