The Dallas Mavericks can’t seem to catch a break this season. While they are struggling to climb the Western Conference standings, they are also short on depth due to several players being out with injuries.
Right now, the Mavs are waiting on Kyrie Irving to make a full recovery from his torn ACL, which he sustained in March last season. But there’s also one key player they’re missing in their lineup: Dereck Lively II.
Lively has been out for most of the season, and many are wondering when he’ll make his return.
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Dereck Lively II Set to Undergo Season-Ending Surgery
NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Lively will undergo season-ending surgery on his right foot due to the nagging injury the big man has dealt with earlier this season.
Throughout the only seven games he played this season, Lively has been dealing with a right knee sprain and persistent swelling and discomfort in his right foot. His injuries forced him to sit out indefinitely. But it appears he’s no longer making his return this year.
“Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II will undergo season-ending right foot procedure to address lingering discomfort,” Charania reported. “Lively, who played 7 games this season, is expected to make a full recovery.”
Another NBA insider, Bobby Marks, reported that the Mavericks now have the opportunity to apply for a Disabled Player Exception from Lively’s contract. Once approved, the team is expected to receive $2,626,680.
This comes as good news for Dallas, as they now have the opportunity to make adjustments to their lineup with the extra cap relief. Marks mentioned that the Mavericks could sign or trade for a player with one year left on their contract.
“Dallas will be eligible to apply for a $2,626,680 Disabled Player Exception for Lively II,” Marks reported. “If granted, Dallas could sign/trade for a player with 1 year left on their contract. They would, however, need to have an open roster spot and fit the salary below the 2nd apron.”
Dallas will be eligible to apply for a $2,626,680 Disabled Player Exception for Lively II.
If granted, Dallas could sign/trade for a player with 1 year left on their contract.
They would however need to have an open roster spot and fit the salary below the 2nd apron. https://t.co/rW12GnThqk
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) December 10, 2025
With the absence of Lively, Mavericks star Anthony Davis will need to remain consistently healthy for his team. Failing to do so would diminish their presence in the paint, which could lead to more struggles as the season continues.