Kyrie Irving is reportedly making strong progress in his recovery, but his return for the 2025–26 season is far from guaranteed, according to Tim MacMahon on The Hoop Collective podcast.
The Mavericks point guard suffered a torn ACL on March 3 against the Sacramento Kings, ending his previous season and complicating his availability this year.
Irving re-signed with Dallas this offseason on a three-year, $119 million deal, but the team is cautious given the star guard’s injury history and other organizational factors. MacMahon noted that while his rehabilitation is progressing, additional circumstances are keeping his season return in question.
The Mavericks are also dealing with roster and financial complexities after trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers in February 2025 for Anthony Davis. Davis is sidelined with a strained calf, and Dallas is expected to explore potential trade offers for the veteran big man before the February 5 deadline.
The team currently sits at 4–11, ranking in the lower half of both offensive and defensive efficiency, highlighting the impact of Irving’s absence. D’Angelo Russell has averaged 11.9 points and 4.9 assists over 15 games, while Klay Thompson has contributed 11.2 points per game this season.
Patrick Dumont, the team governor, is taking a direct role in decisions regarding Davis, whose $54.1 million salary this season adds to the financial strain with Dallas approaching the second tax apron. The organization’s management is balancing the need for immediate results with the long-term financial and competitive outlook.
Irving’s potential return could provide a significant boost for the Mavericks’ backcourt alongside Russell and Thompson, but the timeline remains unclear. Even with progress in recovery, the combination of injury history, team strategy, and roster limitations makes an immediate comeback uncertain.
