NBA Notes: Mavericks, Kyrie Irving, Sixers, Cam Payne, Hawks

Mavericks

Kyrie Irving will not return this season, the Mavericks announced.

Irving continues to make what the team described as steady progress in his recovery from ACL reconstruction on his left knee, but the decision has been made to hold his return until next season.

Irving suffered the injury nearly a year ago, on March 3 against Sacramento, and underwent surgery later that month.

“This decision wasn’t easy, but it’s the right one,” Irving said in a statement, adding that he is focused on returning stronger for the 2026-27 season.

Irving’s agent, Shetellia Riley Irving, told Shams Charania of ESPN that the priority is ensuring Irving is fully healthy when he returns.

With Dallas out of the playoff race and pivoting toward a younger core built around Cooper Flagg, there was little incentive to push Irving late in the season.

76ers

Cameron Payne has officially signed with the 76ers, the team confirmed.

Payne is returning to Philadelphia after spending the early part of the season with Partizan Belgrade. The Serbian club will receive a $1.75 million buyout, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line. Philadelphia can contribute up to $875,000 toward that figure.

The 31-year-old appeared in 10 games overseas, averaging 12.4 points and 3.9 assists. He finished last season with the Sixers and is expected to provide immediate backcourt depth after the team dealt Jared McCain at the deadline.

Philadelphia resumes play Thursday against Atlanta.

Hawks

The Hawks are converting Caleb Houstan from a two-way deal to a standard contract for the remainder of the season, sources told Charania.

Houstan has spent most of the year in the G League, averaging 15.9 points per game for College Park. To open a roster spot, Atlanta is expected to waive Nikola Djurisic, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

Only the first year of Djurisic’s contract was guaranteed, allowing the Hawks to make the move without future cap implications.