Overview
- Irving told viewers on a Twitch livestream Friday that he is “definitely close to being over at 100 percent” in his recovery from the left ACL tear he suffered on March 3, 2025.
- Mavericks GM Mike Schmitz has praised Irving’s commitment and said Irving has been at the team facility almost daily during rehab, signaling active on‑camp involvement ahead of next season.
- Team president Masai Ujiri has discussed Irving’s fit with Cooper Flagg and publicly said he believes Irving can play alongside the rookie, creating a test the front office wants to run.
- Irving has one guaranteed season left on his contract plus a 2027‑28 player option, and unconfirmed trade interest has circulated, including a single‑source report linking the Lakers as a possible suitor.
- Dallas finished 26‑56 in 2025‑26 and is undergoing front‑office and coaching change, so the Mavericks must decide whether to prioritize a near‑term roster boost with Irving or accelerate Flagg’s development, with training camp and the coaching hire set to shape that choice.