The Dallas Mavericks are optimistic that Kyrie Irving will return from his ACL tear by January, ESPN's Shams Charania reported on "NBA Countdown" Wednesday.

Irving played 50 games this season before suffering the injury in early March. He averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.3 steals in his 14th season in the Association.

The 33-year-old holds a player option worth $43.9-million for next season. The Mavericks hope Irving will decline it to sign a new three-year deal that would align him with general manager Nico Harrison and star center Anthony Davis, Charania added.

Irving has not played in more than 65 games since the 2018-19 season.

Dallas finished the regular season with a 39-43 record. The Mavericks beat the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night in the play-in tournament to keep their season alive but still have to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday to earn a playoff matchup against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.