It was March 3, 2025, when Kyrie Irving faced Sacramento.
He was prepared for surgery three weeks after that.
Irving has recently informed Dallas fans not to expect him back anytime soon, thanks to a new three-year, $119 million agreement.
How Will Irving’s Extended Recovery Impact the Mavericks’ 2025-26 Plans?
The Dallas Mavericks recently celebrated Irving with a heartfelt tribute video, calling him “The heart & soul: Our guy Kai.”
However, the nine-time All-Star’s recovery timeline has shifted dramatically from the front office’s initial optimism.
Irving’s injury during that crucial postseason game against the Sacramento Kings derailed what many expected to be a strong playoff run.
The surgery that followed ended his season and cast doubt over his availability for the upcoming 2025-26 campaign
Dallas management had been optimistic about a January 2026 return, banking on a 10-month recovery window. That timeline now appears unrealistic based on Irving’s own words during a recent livestream.
“Don’t hold your breath on that,” Irving said about his return timeline. “It doesn’t mean that I won’t be back.
It’s just, I don’t want to make any predictions on when I’m going to be back. I just want to be back 150,000% better.
So I’m taking my time right now to really get healthy. I’m taking my time to really get my body right, other portions of my body right, and really just enjoy this recovery process.”
The veteran guard’s approach reflects hard-learned lessons about rushing back from injury. Irving described his recovery as “not pretty” and acknowledged going through “a kind of mental rollercoaster ride every day.” His desire to return at full strength rather than risk reinjury shows maturity in his approach to this setback.
What Does Irving’s Contract Extension Mean for Dallas’s Future?
Irving and the Mavericks made their long-term commitment official on Sunday despite the uncertainty surrounding his return. The three-year, $119 million extension includes a player option for the 2027-28 season, keeping the All-Star guard in Dallas through his prime years.
This deal carries extra significance given the franchise’s recent upheaval. Many assumed Irving might leave Dallas following Luka Doncic’s departure, but his decision to commit $43 million guaranteed demonstrates genuine loyalty to the organization and its fanbase.
The extension also provides stability as Dallas navigates this transition period. With Irving sidelined, the franchise has focused on building around Cooper Flagg while adding veteran support through free agency acquisitions like D’Angelo Russell.
Irving’s elite ball-handling skills and finishing ability around the rim make him one of the league’s most dynamic offensive weapons. His skills will be crucial when he eventually returns to help Dallas compete in the loaded Western Conference.
The Mavericks’ 2025-26 season will largely depend on how well Flagg develops and whether the supporting cast can maintain competitiveness until Irving returns. The franchise’s public celebration of Irving, even during his absence, signals their belief in his continued importance to their championship aspirations.
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