Kyrie Irving's target return date from injury is revealed

Kyrie Irving is obviously out for the remainder of the 2024-25 season, but his 2025-26 might not be an entire wash.

Shams Charania of ESPN spoke about the injured Dallas Mavericks star Irving during an appearance Wednesday on “NBA Countdown.” Charania reported that the Mavs expect and are optimistic that Irving could be back in action by next January.

The nine-time All-Star Irving, now 33 years old, tore the ACL in his left knee during a game against the Sacramento Kings in early March (video here). ACL tears are generally 10-12-month injuries, so Irving may end up on the early end of that timeline if all goes according to plan.

Of course, an absence through next January will still mean a significant chunk of missed time for Irving to open up next season (at least 35 to 45 games). But concerns that Irving could miss all of next season as well look fairly unfounded at this point.

The Mavericks were able to survive just long enough this season to make the play-in tournament, where they will face the Sacramento Kings in the Western Conference’s 9-10 game. But the long-term outlook of Irving, especially after last February’s earth-shaking Luka Doncic trade, is obviously the biggest priority for Dallas right now.

Irving can become an unrestricted free agent in the summer but does hold a player option of roughly $44 million for next season. Recent reports have also suggested that the Mavs could give Irving a surprisingly large post-injury extension this offseason.