Following recent public relations issues in Dallas after the Luka Dončić trade, the Mavericks are attempting to shift the narrative by releasing positive news.
ESPN`s Shams Charania reported on Wednesday that Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving, recovering from an ACL tear on March 3 and subsequent surgery, might return mid-season. Ahead of the Mavericks` Play-In Tournament game against the Kings, Charania mentioned there`s `optimism` for Irving`s return by January.
Charania stated, `The expectation is that [Irving] will play a significant portion of next season. There`s optimism he`ll be back by January. Prior to that, he has a $44 million player option, which is the next situation for Nico Harrison and the Mavericks to address. The Mavericks aim to cancel Irving`s player option and offer him a three-year deal, aligning with Nico Harrison`s and Anthony Davis` remaining three-year contracts.`
If Irving returns around January, he will soon turn 34. Despite performing at an All-NBA level since joining Dallas, his ability to regain that form after such an injury at this career stage is uncertain.
Dallas seemingly has little choice but to re-sign Irving to a multi-year contract. They appear heavily invested in the near future and believe they have a better chance at winning a championship with Davis, who also faces injury issues and will turn 33 shortly before Irving turns 34, alongside Kyrie, than they did with Luka.
This situation in Dallas is undeniably desperate, whether acknowledged by Harrison or not. This predicament is self-inflicted. It`s noteworthy that this Irving news emerges a day after Harrison claimed to a select group of reporters, off-record, that he has `no regrets` about the Dončić trade.
The timing of this Irving speculation is questionable. It`s premature to realistically predict Irving`s recovery timeline eight months out. Such updates are more appropriate closer to summer or next season`s start. The current timing suggests a deliberate effort by the Mavericks to create news, likely to divert attention. While self-inflicted and met with criticism, the constant negative perception is undoubtedly challenging for them.
Unfortunately, this Irving leak won`t overshadow the Dončić trade debate. Imagine Luka excelling in a playoff game for the Lakers while the Mavericks can only offer the update that Kyrie might return late next season.
Jasper Hawthorne