One of the biggest questions for the Dallas Mavericks is about the future of the franchise after the eventful 2024-25 NBA season. After the Mavericks traded away star Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, everything seemed to have fallen apart. The team continued to struggle to secure a playoff spot and All-Star Kyrie Irving suffered a season-ending torn ACL injury.
However, Dallas is determined to continue with the players they have. The Mavericks see a future with Irving and Anthony Davis as the main players moving forward. However, with the ACL injury of the 2016 champion, there are a lot of questions about the trajectory of the team.
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania gave an update on the possible return date for Irving. Additionally, he talked about what the Mavericks have planned for the star guard, Davis, and general manager Nico Harrison.
NBA News: Dallas Mavericks star is expected to play a good chunk of next season
On the latest episode of “NBA Countdown,” Charania revealed that Irving is expected to return from his ACL injury in January.
“Kyrie Irving’s return, that’s the big question,” Charania said. “The expectation around the Dallas Mavericks, Kyrie Irving is he will play a good chunk of next season. There’s optimism that he will be back by January and that he’s got — before that, a $44 million player option.
Reporting for NBA Countdown on the target return for Dallas Mavericks All-Star Kyrie Irving after his March ACL tear: pic.twitter.com/nIXqxiKNzR
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 17, 2025
Charania also broke down the possible plan for Irving’s contract. The former Duke star has a $43.9 million player option next season. According to the insider, the Mavericks are expected to offer a new three-year deal to the point guard to align with Davis’ three-year, $175.3 million contract.
“The goal for the Mavericks is to rip up his player option and give him a three-year deal. Potentially, to align him with Nico Harrison’s three years and Anthony Davis’ three years.”
Dallas Mavericks owner releases a statement ahead of the team’s Play-In game against the Sacramento Kings
The Dallas Mavericks have a chance to keep their season alive on Wednesday as they are scheduled to play against the Sacramento Kings in the Play-In Tournament. Winning against the Kings would potentially lead them to a second game, against the Memphis Grizzlies for the eighth spot in the West.
Ahead of the game, owner Patrick Dumont released a statement regarding the ownership’s focus.
“Patrick and his family love being stewards of the Mavericks and have deeply enjoyed their ownership experience over the last year and a half,” the spokesperson’s response to WFAA said. “They want what all Mavs want – a team that plays hard together and wins games. So, with that said, the focus should be on the remaining games the team has and its push to the playoffs. Coach Kidd and the staff have done a tremendous job putting the team in a position most thought would be unachievable a few short months ago.”
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
