Mavericks star Kyrie Irving’s return date from injury gets major hint

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that Irving has a player option worth nearly $44 million for next season. But with him being on the mend, the move for him may be to accept that option, stay with the Mavericks, and prove that he’s able to return to superstar form.

Once Irving returns, he will undoubtedly face a minutes restriction, and it’s not likely for him to play in back-to-backs as well, which would  limit his value for the Mavericks. But Dallas has scarcely any better options, and considering their lack of draft assets, the Mavs, for better or for worse, appear to be wedded to their current core.

The best-case scenario for the Mavs is that they remain in the playoff hunt next season with Anthony Davis leading the charge, and with the return of Irving, seal their place in the playoffs and finally get a chance to get Nico Harrison’s vision to come to fruition.

Mavericks play long game after Kyrie Irving injury

The Mavericks have no choice but to ride out the path they’ve charted for themselves in the aftermath of the Luka Doncic trade. It may be painful to witness the franchise’s drop-off in real time, but they cannot feel sorry for themselves. All they can do is play the hand that they’ve been dealt.

It might be a bit worrying that Kyrie Irving, a veteran guard, suffered a major knee injury. There is a chance that he never becomes the same player again. But the Mavericks franchise seems overdue for a win, and perhaps they can get that win in the form of a complete recovery from Irving.