O’Neal made some interesting comments when that report was brought up on the latest episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq. During the conversation, Adam Lefkoe mentioned hearing about the possibility of LeBron joining Cleveland and bringing Kyrie Irving along, but Shaq offered a blunt response.

“Kyrie ain’t letting that happen,” O’Neal said. Iman Shumpert, who played with both stars on the Cavaliers and was present on the podcast, pointed out that Irving could not really have stopped this from happening, as the Mavericks could trade him without his consent. The 34-year-old does not have a no-trade clause that would allow him to control where he goes.

Shaq’s point

O’Neal’s primary point, though, is that Irving does not want to team up with James again. That is quite interesting. Irving and James previously had been teammates on the Cavaliers from 2014 to 2017. They won a championship together in 2016 by stunningly overturning a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals against the 73-9 Golden State Warriors.

The Warriors would win the rematch against the Cavaliers in the 2017 NBA Finals, and that was the last time we saw the duo together. Irving asked out during the 2017 offseason, reportedly because he no longer wanted to play a secondary role behind James. The Cavaliers would then trade him to the Boston Celtics to end what had been an incredibly successful partnership.

The reason why a James-Irving reunion on the Cavaliers was highly unlikely was that the Mavericks did not want to trade him. The nine-time All-Star, who missed all of last season with a torn ACL, was not going to push for a move, either, as he is comfortable with his situation.

Past rumors of Irving pursuing James

It should not be forgotten that Irving reportedly pushed for the Mavericks to acquire James in 2023. He was even said to have tried to persuade his former teammate to join him in Dallas. It was not to be, though.

Shams Charania of ESPN reported that Irving, after missing the entirety of the 2025-26 season following a torn ACL sustained on March 3, 2025, is now fully healthy and set to be fully part of the team’s plans for next season. “He’s fully recovered, 100% from that ACL tear. He’s been fully entrenched with the Mavericks plans this offseason,” Charania said on The Stephen A. Smith Show.

Irving and the Mavericks were cautious with his recovery throughout last season, and understandably so. The Mavs were in the first year of a post-Luka Doncic rebuild, and rushing Irving back made little sense given how far the squad was from contending for a playoff spot.

Irving as a key piece for the Mavericks

At 34 years old, history has not been kind to smaller guards suffering severe knee injuries. However, modern medicine has advanced tremendously compared to just five years ago, fueling hope that the Mavericks star can make a full recovery, especially after taking his time in rehabilitation.

Irving will serve as the most veteran player on a young Mavs squad that is betting everything on Cooper Flagg as its foundational pillar. He will bring the point guard presence that Dallas severely lacked last season when forced to rotate several players at the position.

It will be compelling to see how Irving fits into the Mavericks‘ plans. He has two years remaining on his contract, featuring a player option for the 2027-28 season, and at 34 years old, he does not entirely fit the team’s long-term timeline or aspirations.

Notably, Irving was reportedly one of the stars LeBron James wanted to team up with, though the Cleveland Cavaliers apparently failed to pull off an adequate trade. During the 2024-25 NBA season, Irving averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game while shooting 47% from the field, 40% from three-point range, and 92% from the free-throw line.

Rather than waiting on the two veterans to make their own choices, Yahoo Sports‘ Kevin O’Connor reports that LeBron is holding out to see if prospective teams asking about his services will actively pursue trade or sign-and-trade deals for Irving or Davis.

With both stars expected to be made available to several of LeBron’s reported suitors, whether a team can land either co-star could ultimately dictate which jersey James dons next season.

Despite the overwhelming free agency buzz, James appears in no rush to break his silence. That patient approach leaves teams like the Golden State Warriors waiting in the wings, especially with Stephen Curry publicly acknowledging the intriguing possibility of teaming up with LeBron.

LeBron to Miami?

Among the most intriguing storylines in LeBron’s free agency saga is the chatter surrounding a potential return to the Miami Heat. The organization was recently forced to set the record straight on a potential reunion after a viral video sparked widespread speculation online.

While LeBron’s deep connection to South Florida naturally fuels fan nostalgia, league insiders like ESPN‘s Shams Charania report that rival franchises—namely the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors—are actively making moves to position themselves in the sweepstakes.

While LeBron spent his offseason taking in the action at the 2026 World Cup—notably celebrating USMNT 🇺🇸 forward Folarin Balogun’s goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32—his fanbase remains on high alert, eagerly awaiting the superstar’s next—and potentially final—chapter.

Irving made the comments during a live stream on Twitch, where he reacted to New York‘s postseason success. “The Knicks making the Finals is OD… Knicks fans gonna go bonkers man. Its gonna be one of those ones,” Irving said while discussing the atmosphere surrounding the franchise.

He continued by highlighting the people responsible for the run. “They done made it to the NBA Finals, done earned their ticket… I’m excited to watch them too… Mike Brown leading the helm, Jalen Brunson great PG… great pieces around him.” Irving’s comments reflected genuine respect for what the Knicks have accomplished this season.

Irving knows what it takes to reach the Finals

Irving’s praise carries extra weight because he understands how difficult it is to get there. Throughout his career, he has reached the NBA Finals four times, all during his run with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2015 through 2018. Those appearances helped establish him as one of the most accomplished playoff guards of his generation.

His greatest moment came in 2016 when he helped the Cavaliers capture the NBA championship. Irving famously hit the go-ahead three-pointer late in Game 7 against the Golden State Warriors, securing the only championship ring of his career and completing one of the most memorable Finals victories in league history.

For the Knicks, this Finals appearance represents a chance to end a championship drought that stretches back more than five decades. New York last won an NBA title in 1973, making this run one of the most significant moments in franchise history.

Irving shared the update during a live stream on Twitch, where he spoke openly about the progress he has made over the past several months. “I am definitely close to being over at 100% in terms of my ACL recovery,” Irving said, giving Mavericks fans a reason to be optimistic about his return.

“It’s been a while now,” Irving continued. “I’m so grateful that I’ve had the time to heal & just experiment with my body more on the court and off the court in the weight room & just pushing myself to the limit.” His comments reflected both confidence in his recovery and appreciation for the work that has gone into getting back to full strength.

What could Irving’s return mean for Dallas?

A healthy Irving would be a major boost for the Mavericks. Even before the injury, he remained one of the team’s most productive players, providing scoring, playmaking, and veteran leadership. His ability to create offense in crucial moments has made him one of the most valuable pieces of the roster when available.

During his most recent NBA season with Dallas, Irving continued to show why he remains one of the league’s most dangerous guards. His scoring efficiency, ball-handling, and experience helped stabilize the offense, while his championship pedigree brought an important presence to the locker room and on the floor.

The next big decision for Irving could come off the court. He holds a player option for the 2026-27 season, the final year of his current contract. Whether he chooses to exercise that option or explore a different path, the Mavericks would undoubtedly benefit from having a fully healthy Irving leading the backcourt and helping guide a talented roster through another competitive season.

According to former NBA player and current TNT analyst Reggie Miller, Irving is targeting a return in mid-February. That update suggests his rehabilitation is progressing well and provides optimism that he could be back on NBA courts sooner rather than later.

Irving suffered a serious ACL injury on March 3, 2025, which required a cautious and methodical recovery process. The Mavericks’ first game after the All-Star break is scheduled for February 20, 2026, against the Minnesota Timberwolves, a date that aligns closely with the commonly recommended 12-month recovery timeline for such an injury.

While this does not represent a definitive return date, it offers a reasonable benchmark. Since Irving went down, the Mavericks have struggled, posting a 21-38 record without him. At present, Dallas sits at 14-25 and 12th in the Western Conference, underscoring the impact of his absence.

How Kyrie Irving views his recovery

Irving has consistently emphasized a thoughtful and patient approach to his rehabilitation. He has made it clear that he is not rushing the process and is focused on steady progress rather than external timelines. During Media Day in September, he said, “There is consistency. I’m right on time,” reflecting a calm and measured mindset.

That mentality has shaped how the Mavericks have handled his rehab, prioritizing long-term health over short-term gains. Irving has also encouraged other players to embrace the recovery process rather than fixating on a specific return date.

Ongoing injury concerns for the Mavericks

Irving is not the only health concern for Dallas. Anthony Davis remains a question mark as he evaluates options to address ligament issues in his left hand, creating additional uncertainty for the roster in the current NBA season.

Despite the injury, Davis has been productive when available, averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists across 20 games. Still, the Mavericks have clearly struggled without him, highlighting how crucial his health is to the team’s overall performance as the season progresses.

Superstars Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving were quickly identified as central pieces in potential trade discussions. While early reports offered mixed signals about how the Mavericks planned to address their star core, a new update from insider Marc Stein has added clearer context to Dallas’ strategy.

According to Stein, the Mavericks remain open to listening to offers for Anthony Davis. However, he emphasized that Dallas does not share the same level of interest when it comes to entertaining trade proposals for Kyrie Irving.

“League sources say that the Mavericks still intend to field any trade interest in Davis that emerges over the next two-plus months … with the prospect of an actual trade obviously dependent on offer quality,” Stein wrote in his latest report.

While acknowledging Davis’ limited availability this season due to injury, Stein added, “Sources say that the Mavericks, by contrast, are not encouraging trade inquiries for Kyrie Irving, who remains out indefinitely after undergoing knee surgery in late March. Already vibing nicely with prized rookie Cooper Flagg in practice settings, Irving is a player they hope to keep.”

The numbers behind a healthy Anthony Davis

Davis has increasingly become viewed as a moveable piece, largely because his frequent absences have prevented the Mavericks from maximizing his value on the court. With a deep frontcourt and an evolving roster, Dallas may not feel the same level of loss if they decide to part ways with him. Given his injury history and current unavailability, the franchise could benefit more from a trade than from continuing to wait for his return.

But when healthy, Anthony Davis remains one of the NBA’s dominant forces. Averaging 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game on 52.0% shooting from the field, Davis continues to prove why he is considered one of the best two-way big men in the league.

According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Irving has been making significant strides on the court, indicating a possibility of an imminent return from a physical standpoint. However, the predominant discussion surrounding Irving’s comeback seems to center on personal factors that could influence his decision.

Irving has been absent from the court for the last 20 Mavericks games due to a knee injury, diligently working towards his comeback since then. It has now been eight months and counting since he last participated in an NBA game.

While much debate surrounds Irving’s future with the Mavericks, if personal reasons are indeed at play, they may hold considerable weight. Having been a fixture in the NBA since the 2011-12 season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the 33-year-old still has ample potential longevity in his career.

Irving’s expected comeback

Despite the promising updates on his progress, there remains a degree of uncertainty about Irving’s return to the court and his debut this season with the Mavericks. ESPN’s Marc J. Spears noted that Irving would be ready if the playoffs were currently underway.

“Someone close to him told me if it was the playoffs, he could play right now,” Spears reported on ESPN, as Irving continues to focus on recovering from his challenging knee injury.

Against this backdrop, and the possibility that Irving’s return might not materialize, the Mavericks’ fan base eagerly awaits an official announcement. With the regular season winding down, Dallas is in dire need of positive results.

Irving is undoubtedly an integral part of the Mavericks’ rotation. Given how valuable he has been for them, his absence is expected to have a major impact on their performance. While there were early hopes for a quicker comeback—especially after recent training videos offered positive signs—the guard himself recently addressed his recovery timeline.

“There’s no timetable for when I’m coming back,” Irving said during a recent livestream. “So please don’t ask me when I’m coming back. Please don’t badger me with all the questions like, ‘Hey, if you’re healthy by November, what do you think about it?’ Please don’t badger me with any questions, guys. I’m going to be ready when I’m ready. I’m taking the necessary steps to put my best foot forward, and I’m enjoying it.”

The nine-time All-Star also expressed gratitude for the support he has received from fans, appreciating their encouragement during what he called his “down times.” Reflecting on the mental challenges of recovery, Irving said:

“And of course, there was doubt. Naturally, I have doubts like everyone else. But I was fueled by the next generation even more because I know when I’m able to show the resilience, the authenticity, the ugly times that go on with rehab or coming back from injury, I feel like that will, in turn, spark the next brain or inspire the next person. Or inspire some of my ACL twins out there, you know, who tore their ACL and dealt with all of the rigors of rehab. So shout out to all you guys.”

When could Irving return?

Earlier reports suggested that the star guard might target a return to action by January 2026, a crucial stretch for the Mavericks as they aim to make an NBA playoff push. However, his latest comments could cast doubt on those plans.

Last season, Irving averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, shooting 47.3% from the field and 40.1% from three-point range. Given his offensive influence and his ability to close out games, his absence will likely be even more significant.

Dallas has attempted to address the situation by adding D’Angelo Russell during the offseason. While he may not have the same impact as Irving, Russell is expected to play a key role in his absence. With Anthony Davis leading the way and rookie Cooper Flagg emerging as a promising talent, the Mavericks are hoping to stay competitive in the playoff race—and that Irving will be able to return before season’s end.

“I’m not a doctor but when we do see Kai shooting, can just refrain from saying ‘ahead of schedule?’ That’s bad reporting. He is doing quite well as we can see, but he’s not ahead of schedule. Let’s not say that. That’s unfair to him and to the Mavs because it’s not true,” Jason Kidd said at the press conference.

Since Kyrie Irving started his recovery from an ACL injury, reports indicated significant progress, sparking hopes for a mid-season return. However, as that option got ruled out, it now seems likely that Irving might miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season. While this development disappoints fans eager to see him back on the court, it prioritizes full recovery, ensuring he is ready for a robust comeback in the 2026-27 season.

Not only did Jason speak about his recovery, but Kyrie also provided insights into his return. “I’m figuring out what I can do to push myself to where I need to be… Just don’t pay attention to putting yourself in a position to put a date out there (to return). And if you don’t make that date, then what happens? You’re in here answering questions, like, ‘It was pushed back.’ I’d rather just let it be where it is,” he said at the press conference.

Not only Kyrie: Anthony Davis delivers update on detached retina

With Kyrie Irving’s return for the upcoming season still in doubt, the Dallas Mavericks are banking on Anthony Davis to lead their offense in his absence. However, the veteran forward recently underwent surgery in July due to a detached retina, casting uncertainty over his availability at the start of the season. Despite the concerns among fans, Davis opened up about his recovery process and announced a significant permanent change in his approach.

“Yeah, eye feels great. The retina is still, like – there’s drops I have to use in my eye, which causes, like, a little redness and stuff. But, vision is back… That is a mandate from the doctor (Using protective eyewear) that I have to, so – for the rest of the career. There’s no, yeah – which I’m not too excited about. You guys will see me in the Horace Grants this year, the Kareems,” Anthony Davis said at the press conference.

On ESPN, Kendrick Perkins named Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving as the NBA’s top skilled players today. His list notably leaves out standout player like LeBron James and Luka Doncic, both known for showcasing not only impressive stats but also extraordinary skills game after game.

LeBron, despite approaching 40, remains one of the NBA‘s most intelligent and versatile players, excelling in creativity, scoring, and defense. He remains a key figure for the Lakers. Though past his career peak, James recently finished among the top six for the MVP award, outperforming well-known players like Stephen Curry and Anthony Edwards.

Even though Perkins’ top five selections surprised some fans, they hold merit. Shai delivered an outstanding season by keeping a scoring average of 32.7 points per game, while Nikola Jokic’s triple-double average underscored his dominance. Despite not having career-best stats, Durant and Curry remain game-changers, with their veteran presence and exceptional scoring and playmaking abilities leaving a lasting impact.

Is Kyrie Irving really one of the most skilled NBA players right now?

Kendrick Perkins stirred significant debate with his choice of Kyrie Irving among today’s most skilled NBA players. Unlike other selections, Irving’s inclusion raised eyebrows, largely due to his challenging season with the Dallas Mavericks. At 32, he experienced one of his most frustrating spells, compounded by an injury that capped his scoring at 24.7 points per game, his lowest average in seven years. Consequently, his placement on Perkins’ list caught many fans off guard.

Despite of the criticism, the 2008 NBA champion with Boston Celtics showcased his strong support towards Kyrie, stating, “The most skilled player to ever play the game of basketball. We know he got the handles, the post work. But it’s the finishing around the basket, playing below the rim, amongst the trees, nobody does it like Kyrie Irving.”

Kyrie Irving remains a standout player with an impressive career, yet other stars like Anthony Edwards, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Doncic have delivered statistically superior seasons, showcasing stronger leadership for their teams. As Irving marks his anticipated return in mid-January of the 2025-26 season, expectations are soaring. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see him demonstrate his undeniable impact, especially in the 2026 NBA postseason.