The Dallas Mavericks are likely heading back to the NBA Draft Lottery.
Two seasons after reaching the NBA Finals, the Mavericks now are retooling for the future around first overall pick Cooper Flagg. Dallas may trade All-Star big man Anthony Davis before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, though Davis' hand injury is likely to depress his market, according to NBA insider Michael Scotto.
MORE: Ex-NBA champ urges Mavericks to trade Kyrie Irving
Writing in HoopsHype, Scotto also reported Friday that point guard Kyrie Irving is unlikely to play this season as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.
"Although some have speculated whether or not Irving will return from a torn ACL this season, there’s no logical urgency for the Mavericks to bring him back at all this season while the franchise has control of its 2026 first-round pick and the team is on the outside of the Play-In Tournament and only 1.5 games out of the league’s sixth-worst record in the tankathon standings," Scotto explained.
Irving, who signed a three-year, $119 million contract with the Mavericks last summer, has not played an NBA game since he tore his left ACL on March 3.
Dallas, sitting 12th in the Western Conference with a 16-26 record, does not want to jeopardize its position in a strong 2026 draft that can help set the franchise's future direction.
Thus, the return of nine-time All-Star Irving this season isn't being seriously considered.
Irving has struggled with injuries in recent years. He hasn't played more than 60 games in a season since 2018/19, his second and final campaign as a member of the Boston Celtics.
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