The Dallas Mavericks are in no rush with Kyrie Irving's recovery, even as speculation continues to swirl about whether the All-Star guard will return this season.
Irving remains without a firm timetable as he rehabs a torn ACL in his left knee, an injury he suffered in March 2025. While earlier reports suggested a possible midseason return, the Mavericks have consistently resisted committing to any specific date.
On Thursday, ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported that Dallas may ultimately delay Irving's comeback altogether.
"He has yet to be cleared to practice, and while Irving has made it clear that he hopes to play this season, sources anticipate that, considering the Mavs' place in the standings, there will be discussions about postponing his comeback until next season," MacMahon reported.
No Timeline Yet, Caution Still Priority
Head coach Jason Kidd echoed that uncertainty later in the day, emphasizing that Irving's rehab remains the sole focus.
"He's working extremely hard from rehab…He feels great," Kidd said. "At some point there will be a timeline, but right now, there is no timeline. He wants to get back. He wants to play, but when you come back from ACL, it's a time thing."
Kidd added that while a clearer schedule could emerge after the All-Star break, the team is mindful that returning to NBA competition is different from practice reps. Importantly, he stressed that Dallas' spot in the standings "will have nothing to do" with whether Irving returns this season.
Standings, Speculation, and Mixed Signals
Dallas currently sits 12th in the Western Conference at 18-26, 6.5 games behind the No. 8 seed and 1.5 games out of the final play-in spot. The Mavs have shown recent signs of life, riding a three-game win streak and posting the league's No. 5 defensive rating in January.
Outside voices have added to the noise. During an NBC broadcast, Hall of Famer Reggie Miller claimed Irving is targeting a mid-February return, though the organization has not supported that timeline publicly.
In June, ESPN's Shams Charania reported Irving was aiming for a midseason comeback in 2025-26, and Irving himself said during training camp, "I'm right on schedule."
With Anthony Davis also sidelined due to a hand injury and the franchise evaluating its long-term outlook, patience remains the guiding principle. If Dallas climbs back into postseason contention, the allure of seeing Irving alongside rookie standout Cooper Flagg could grow, but only if the timing is right. For now, the Mavericks appear content letting Irving's body, not the calendar, dictate the next step.
Newsweek