Seemingly, all of the news out of the NBA in the last few days has surrounded the Dallas Mavericks, at least off the court.
The Mavericks won Monday night’s NBA Draft lottery, earning the right to make the first selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. Although it is widely expected the Mavericks will take Duke freshman Cooper Flagg, plenty of other rumors have been swirling, some even tying them to Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Mavericks, who defeated the Sacramento Kings in the first play-in game before falling to the Memphis Grizzlies with the eighth-seed on the line, have been much maligned due to the trade of star point guard Luka Dončić, who was sent to the Los Angeles Lakers in a three-way deal with the Utah Jazz that netted them Anthony Davis.
With the continued talk about Dončić’s trade and the Mavericks now having the top pick, the health of point guard Kyrie Irving has hit the back burner. Irving tore his ACL and underwent surgery back in March.
NBA Insider Reveals Kyrie Irving’s Timetable
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the nine-time All-Star is targeting a January return. Irving even gave an update himself.
“My recovery/rehab is going really well, I appreciate you asking,” Irving explained. “I am keeping GOD 1st always through all my endeavors,” Irving said. “I pray you and your family are doing well! Don’t ever take waking up another Day on Earth for granted, because no one is promised that. Hélà.”
Irving helped lead the Mavericks to an appearance in the 2024 NBA Finals, where the Boston Celtics defeated the Mavericks in five games.
He averaged 2͏4.7͏ points, 4.8 ͏rebounds ͏and 4.͏6 ͏assists͏ per game last year but was limited to just 36 games. Although Irving is now 33 years old and will be coming off a major injury, he still should be a very productive player, provided he can stay healthy.
One caveat is that Irving can opt out of his deal, potentially leaving a $42,962,963 player option on the table. However, the Mavericks are expected to hang on to Irving. Whether that means he will opt in to his deal or opt out and sign a new contract remains a question.
Mavericks’ Future Plans Revealed
Due to the news that Irving may not be back until at least January, combined with their trade of Dončić earlier this year, the Mavericks will likely need to make a move to find a ball handler, at least until Irving gets back on the court.
“I’m told the Mavericks will be pursuing a point guard, whether that’s in the trade market [or] in free agency,” Charania said. “That is a big priority for them because we know Kyrie Irving, he’s targeting potentially sometime in January making his return, so we’ll see which point guard they could have as a plug-in player for them.”
MORE: 2025 NBA Mock Draft Following Shocking Lottery Results
Big man Daniel Gafford and forward P.J. Washington have been floated as potential trade pieces.
With Irving back in the fold, combined with Flagg, Davis, and the possibility of acquiring another key player, the Mavericks could quickly become a contender in the Western Conference once again.
