Eight months have passed since Kyrie Irving tore his ACL. That is quite a setback, but not for Irving, since six months after the injury, he returned to the court in August, initially for practice. Before the preseason games, then-GM Nico Harrison described Irving as “ahead of schedule.” But it was clear that the star veteran would not return until the very end of 2025. Now, with him absent, much of the structure the Mavericks were building has fallen apart. Still, the hope surrounding his return lingers. But how would it even work for a team that is 4–11 this season?

ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported, “Kyrie Irving is reportedly making great progress on the court, but his return this season is in question because of ‘other reasons.’” However, the Mavericks insist he is “right on schedule” for his rehab. Kyrie Irving himself laid bare his mindset during Media Day: “I’ve been clear: I’m trying to be better than I was before…Now it’s about getting back mentally…my talent and skill will catch up over time.” But what exactly is holding him back? Is he rushing his own return? 

The Mavericks Digest may just know the reason, as they posted on X with a blunt claim: “it’s because of AD. He wants to come back when AD returns, that’s why he and Kidd are BEGGING Cuban not to trade him.” It looks like Irving wants Davis to stay with the Mavericks. That narrative takes on new weight when you consider Cuban’s behind-the-scenes role in firing Nico Harrison. The next thing you know, Cuban would want to try and do damage control, if not completely reverse it. Let’s look at the possibilities this way.

The Mavs cannot possibly trade away AD, as it will leave all the pressure on Kyrie Irving and rookie Cooper Flagg, who is already dealing with uncertainty, despite performing his best. The question surrounding Anthony Davis’ future with the Mavericks roots from his presence. The man has endured after injury, prompting fans to wonder if he is healthy, like ever, especially because he has played just 14 of 44 games since joining Dallas last season. In fact, just this Sunday, it was announced that he will be sidelined for at least seven to 10 more days as he recovers from his left calf strain.

Complicating matters further is the contract. Davis is eligible for a four-year, $275 million contract extension at the end of this season. This could limit trade interest. But if there was certainty around his trade, where would he go?

Could Anthony Davis return to the Chicago Bulls?

After Nico Harrison’s exit, the Dallas Mavericks are facing a crossroads. In a domino effect, one would take down the rest of the pieces, and Mark Cuban is well aware of it. Hence, he announced that the Mavs will not trade Davis away, for now. But earlier today, things were pretty different.

“Multiple team sources said the Mavs, who are 4-11 and outside the playoff picture in the West, will also explore the trade market for Davis, the 10-time All-Star big man who was the headliner in the return of the Luka Doncic deal, as part of that process before this season’s deadline,” MacMahon wrote.

If that had happened, then one of the most realistic destinations for Davis could be the Chicago Bulls. Having grown up in Chicago, Davis has expressed that he could see himself playing there. The Bulls may have had a gap. After center Nikola Vucevic’s expiring contract and Jalen Smith’s uncertain future, there could have been an opportunity. Bleacher Report even recently outlined a projected three-team trade that would send Davis to Chicago. But now that the trade rumors have been shut down, what would the possible roster look like if Kyrie Irving makes his return?

The Mavericks will need Kyrie Irving back on the floor to organize the offense space for Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg. But Irving’s return could create a tricky scenario. With Anthony Davis’ return being probable (almost a week) if Irving plays with him, it could push Dallas into contention for a play-in spot. This is a team that needs to strengthen its roster before dreaming of any contention this season.

As many analysts are already suggesting, now is the time to focus on Cooper Flagg and build a roster around the young talent. That would unfold once they pick more draft options. And the 2026 draft class may be their best possible bet, as Dallas doesn’t control any first-round selections from 2027 to 2030. The priority now is clear – build around Cooper Flagg to set up the franchise for sustained success.