The Dallas Mavericks seem to be unable to catch a break. Less than two years after an NBA Finals appearance, the franchise looks unrecognizable. Luka Dončić was traded to Los Angeles, Kyrie Irving remains sidelined, and the losses continue to pile up. Just when it seemed rock bottom had arrived with a 9-16 start and a front-office shakeup, the team received crushing news about their young center on Wednesday.
How Long Will Dereck Lively II Be Sidelined?
Lively II has dealt with ongoing leg injuries throughout his short career, and the latest update confirms the worst. He previously battled recurring discomfort in his right foot, including bone spurs, which required offseason surgery. To make matters worse, a stress fracture was misdiagnosed as a sprain last season, costing him significant development time.
After missing games earlier in the 2025-26 campaign with a right knee strain, he returned on a minutes restriction. Now, ESPN’s Shams Charania and Tim MacMahon report that Lively will undergo surgery and is expected to miss the remainder of the current season.
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II will undergo season-ending right foot procedure to address lingering discomfort, sources tell me and Tim MacMahon. Lively, who played 7 games this season, is expected to make a full recovery. pic.twitter.com/OWWnqnS1lD
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 10, 2025
“Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II will undergo season-ending right foot procedure to address lingering discomfort, sources tell me and Tim MacMahon,” reported Charania. “Lively, who played 7 games this season, is expected to make a full recovery.”
The Mavericks officially announced the news shortly after.
Dereck Lively II injury update:
Dereck Lively II will undergo season-ending surgery on his right foot. Lively is expected to make a full recovery and be available for the start of training camp.
Get well soon, big fella. The comeback will be better than ever 💙🙏 #MFFL pic.twitter.com/Zzr3IfOMLP
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) December 10, 2025
The numbers paint a grim picture of Lively’s durability. After playing 55 games as a rookie in 2023-24, he appeared in just 36 contests last season and managed only seven this year. When on the court, he averaged 4.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.6 blocks in 16.4 minutes per game.
His absence leaves a massive hole in a frontcourt that was already struggling. Anthony Davis has played only 10 games while averaging 19.6 points and 10.2 rebounds. Meanwhile, Daniel Gafford has been limited to 15 appearances due to injuries, and Klay Thompson is battling recent knee soreness.
This situation adds more uncertainty to a franchise in flux. Following the blockbuster three-team trade that sent Dončić to the Lakers and brought back Davis, the Mavericks missed the playoffs last season and have stumbled out of the gate this year. They already fired GM Nico Harrison, and rumors suggest veterans like Davis could be next to leave.
With the roster decimated and a reported desire to build around top pick Cooper Flagg, the organization seems ready to pivot. As the February trade deadline approaches, Dallas faces tough decisions about who stays and who goes.