The Dallas Mavericks‘ season is essentially over. They barely have enough players to create a sound rotation every night, possibly inviting forfeiting games as an outcome. But the bigger storyline is just how long is their future derailed. Kyrie Irving suffered an ACL tear late into the season. Likewise, the 32-year-old isn’t going to be ready to go at the start of next season. It leaves Anthony Davis as the sole star for the Mavs until KAI returns. But with it being an extension year for the former number-one pick, do the Mavericks prepare for another blockbuster trade?

They already did it once with Luka Doncic with concerns about his ability to stay healthy. But even though Irving is significantly older and suffering from a long-term injury. However, Nico Harrison and the Mavericks’ top brass value KAI as a leader for the franchise. They look at him as the pillar who can empower the team to achieve glory. So even if it can be perceived as risky, the Mavericks are prepared to commit to Irving.

According to Mike Curtis, a beat writer covering the Mavericks, “The goal is to keep Kyrie in Dallas as long as they can,” on Run It Back. Prior to him suffering the injury, the front office planned on offering Irving the max contract. And even though he might miss a good chunk of the season next year, their plans haven’t changed.

“Before the injury, he was definitely on track for a max extension. I think that’s still the case. Even Nico came out with a statement after it was confirmed that Kyrie tore his ACL. He called him the heart and soul of this team. I don’t think you just want to have a guy for a year and risk him leaving in free agency a year after. So I think they want to lock him down as soon as they can,” Curtis revealed.

Irving has been the nucleus for the Mavericks this season averaging 24.7 points and 4.6 assists per game in 50 games. He has earned the trust from Jason Kidd and the Mavericks to be a part of the future. But is their commitment too risky?

The Mavericks run a huge risk

An ACL tear is considered to be a career altering injury for basketball players. It is tough to ascertain how the player will be after an ACL tear. Notably, Kobe Bryant suffered the same injury late in his career and wasn’t the same upon his return. On the other hand, players such as Kevin Durant have been able to retain their standards even after such an injury.

There’s really no doubt that Kyrie Irving‘s love for his craft his beyond anything. His work ethic and drive are exactly why Nico Harrison considers him to be the ideal representative for the culture he wants to foster within the Mavericks. But some things are out of his control. How his body will respond to the recovery is one of them.

In terms of skill, there’s absolutely no risk with Kyrie Irving. He has worked meticulously on mastering his finishing and his confidence in execution is incredible. However, after such a major injury, KAI needs to be more careful than before. The ACL tear coming at such a later stage in his career isn’t a great sign.

Likewise, for the Mavericks offering a max extension could potentially limit their ability for the future. Remember, Anthony Davis is also making over $60 million every season. Another massive contract means constricting the team from making any major moves that may be necessary.

With the volume of injuries on the current roster, Davis and Irving won’t get to play side by side until late into next season. Once that happens, Jason Kidd will have to rethink his entire strategies over once again to incorporate Irving. It could go in the right direction depending on whether Irving remains the same player upon his return.

The basketball fraternity will collectively hope for the same. KAI is among the most pleasing players to watch. And fans want to get the most off the creative ball handler. However, if the ACL tear does slow him down, it could be troublesome for the Mavericks’ future.