Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving is expected to return by January 2026 following ACL surgery, according to NBA insider Shams Charania.
Speaking on ESPN’s NBA Countdown, Charania reported that optimism is growing within the Mavericks organization regarding Irving’s recovery timeline and contract future.
The 33-year-old suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during the first quarter of a March 3 matchup against the Sacramento Kings and underwent surgery later that month.
Before the injury, Irving was averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game while shooting over 40% from beyond the arc.
Dallas had been exploring long-term contract scenarios with Irving, who holds a $44 million player option for the 2025-26 season.
Charania noted that the franchise’s goal remains to “rip up” the option and replace it with a new three-year deal aligning with the contracts of team executive Nico Harrison and star forward Anthony Davis.
Despite the setback, team officials remain encouraged by Irving’s recovery progress and performance level prior to the injury.
Charania emphasized that when healthy, Dallas still believes it has “a competitive and talented team,” positioning the club to contend next season with a healthy core.
Irving’s contract decision looms large, with financial projections offering several paths: opting in and negotiating a four-year extension worth up to $266.7 million or declining and pursuing a five-year deal worth up to $313.9 million.
Dallas currently holds playoff hopes after advancing past Sacramento in the Play-In Tournament, with a win-or-go-home game against Memphis up next.
