The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly considering postponing Kyrie Irving's return from a torn ACL until the 2026-27 season amid the team's ongoing struggles. This decision stems from their poor standing in the Western Conference and a focus on the upcoming NBA Draft. Irving has expressed a desire to play this season, but discussions are anticipated given the Mavs' position.
The Dallas Mavericks, currently eight games below .500 with an 18-26 record, sit 12th in the Western Conference, 1.5 games behind the Clippers for the No. 10 play-in spot and 6.5 games back of the Warriors for the No. 8 seed. According to ESPN's Tim MacMahon, the team is weighing the option to push back Irving's comeback from his torn ACL, as he has not yet been cleared to practice. While Irving hopes to return after the All-Star Break, sources expect conversations about delaying his recovery until next season, especially with the Mavericks also missing Anthony Davis due to a hand injury.
This potential strategy aligns with long-term roster building. The upcoming NBA Draft represents the last year the Mavericks control their own first-round pick until 2031, though they hold the Lakers' unprotected 2029 first-rounder. Currently, Dallas would enter the lottery with the eighth-best odds, a significant improvement from last year when they secured the No. 1 pick. The front office sees value in prioritizing a deep draft class, potentially trading Davis in the offseason for assets that fit alongside rookies like Cooper Flagg and a recovering Dereck Lively II.
Irving's status under the league's Player Participation Policy, which requires stars to meet games-played thresholds, adds complexity. Nothing is finalized, and the team's postseason prospects in six weeks could influence the outcome. Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont previously highlighted a potential lineup featuring Flagg, Davis, and Irving to create trade leverage, but the current 8-26 slump has shifted priorities toward patience and rebuilding.