Kyrie Irving does not envision extending his NBA career into his early 40s, saying the demands of the modern league have made him reconsider how much longer he wants to play.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, October 19, the Dallas Mavericks guard explained that his decision will depend not only on his love of basketball but also on whether he continues to enjoy the demands surrounding professional competition.
“Basketball is eternal flame. I’m always going to be around it,” Irving said. “But in terms of NBA scheduling, things of that nature, I think you gotta really be in love with that too.”
Irving, who entered the NBA as the No. 1 overall pick in 2011, said the league has changed significantly since he began his career. He pointed to the workload, media obligations, social media and the growing presence of gambling as factors he considers when thinking about his future.
“It’s not the same NBA that I fell in love with as a kid,” Irving said. “The game has changed. It’s become less human. It’s more robotic.”
The 34-year-old emphasized that his concerns do not mean he has lost his passion for playing basketball. He still enjoys competing, spending time on the court with his children and teaching younger players the game. However, he said personal growth has become increasingly important as he gets older.
“I love the playing. I love the competition. But do I love all the hoopla that goes into it?” Irving said.
The eight-time All-Star also acknowledged players who have continued competing into their late 30s and beyond, including LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry. However, he does not expect to follow the same path into his early 40s.
“I don’t see myself playing in the NBA 42, 43,” Irving said.
Irving averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists in 50 games in the 2024-25 season before an ACL tear disrupted his season.
He returned to preseason action in October, scoring 17 points against Houston on October 11 and 18 against Atlanta on October 17. Dallas opens its 2026-27 regular season on Tuesday, October 20, against the Rockets.
