The Dallas Mavericks have lost a lot of star power over the last two years, but the return of Kyrie Irving will make things much better for the team.
Irving suffered an ACL tear in February of 2025, just weeks after Luka Doncic had been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Since Irving last played a game for the Dallas Mavericks, a lot has changed, including the front office, the coach, and the franchise player. But he will get a chance to share the court with the new players very soon.
Kyrie Irving set to return to the Dallas Mavericks this season
Speaking on the Stephen A. Smith Show, NBA insider Shams Charania gave an update on Kyrie Irving’s future with the Dallas Mavericks.
He revealed that Irving has fully recovered from his ACL tear in February 2025 and has had conversations with the new Dallas Mavericks management members.
“My understanding is that he has fully recovered, 100%, from the ACL tear from a couple of seasons ago. He has been fully entrenched in the Mavericks plans this offseason.
“Him and Dusty May, they’ve spoken. Him and Masai Ujiri, the new president, they’ve spoken. Mike Schmitz, the new GM, they’ve spoken.”
Kyrie Irving return could help elevate Cooper Flagg massively
The return of Kyrie Irving will be hugely beneficial for Cooper Flagg, as he won’t have to shoulder the offensive load or ball-handling responsibilities anymore.
Former Mavericks coach Jason Kidd bizarrely put the ball in Flagg’s hands last season, despite his passing and court vision being weak points of his game.
While the idea behind the decision made sense – giving Flagg ball-handling experience – it was far too soon to have Flagg carry the ball when he was just trying to settle in the NBA and find confidence as a professional.
With Irving back, Flagg can focus on both his offensive and defensive responsibilities, completing plays that Irving sets up while also using his athleticism to protect the paint and the perimeter.
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