Dallas Mavericks’ Potential Plans for Dereck Lively II

The Dallas Mavericks reportedly began contract extension talks with center Dereck Lively II ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season. Lively II, 22, is eligible for a new contract until the NBA’s Opening Night Eve, but there’s a caveat. He played just seven games in the 2025-26 NBA season before suffering a foot injury.

The possible contract extension numbers may be interesting, but Lively’s injury issues remain a glaring issue. However, Lively’s presence is impactful, especially as a defensive anchor like in the Mavericks’ road to the 2024 NBA Finals. Here are the Mavs’ potential plans for Lively and how the team’s state could look in the near future.

Dallas Mavericks’ Early Talks with Dereck Lively II
On Monday, NBA insider Marc Stein posted on X, formerly Twitter, “Told today that Dallas has held some early stage talks with Dereck Lively II on a possible contract extension. Lively, 22, is eligible for a new deal until Opening Night Eve but played in just seven games in 2025-26 before foot surgery.”

Lively played in 36 games the season before last in 2024-25 — a noticeable decline from his rookie season in 2023-24. He played in 55 games and averaged 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game. He ultimately got the bone spurs removed from his right foot to reduce his pain and regain his availability.

Lively is in the final year of his rookie contract, a four-year, $22,282,691 deal. When he’s healthy, he’s an important player who contributes to the Mavericks’ success. But his health poses an issue, especially after a misdiagnosed right ankle stress fracture that was initially diagnosed as a right ankle sprain.

Lively II’s Current Situation
Lively II’s current situation appears to be cautiously optimistic. His potential contract extension can be a mess due to his injury risks, so the Mavericks shouldn’t rush into an extension. But, at the same time, his injuries weren’t solely his fault. It’s important to note that his stress fracture was mishandled — a sign of turmoil among the Mavericks’ athletic trainers.

Lively II is a piece of the puzzle that could solve the Mavs’ issue at center. When healthy, his potential is off the charts. He may be injury-prone, but he’s 22 and fits well with the team’s current timeline.

The Mavs might want to wait. Lively has one year left on his contract. He’ll become a restricted free agent after 2026-27. The Mavs’ best route would be to practice patience, combined with a wait-and-see approach, to solidify a long-term vision in roster decisions and postseason expectations.

Mavericks’ Outlook
The Mavericks’ outlook entering the upcoming season appears to be solidifying in the form of a rebuild mindset. The Mavericks seem to be striving to develop young, up-and-coming talent while keeping the defending NBA Rookie of the Year, Cooper Flagg, at the helm. The Mavs would likely achieve a competitive season, but inconsistency may remain an issue.

For example, now-Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler played in single-digit games in 2025-26, like Lively did. But Kessler had three productive seasons before the five-game season and signed a massive four-year, $130 million contract from the Lakers through a sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz.

The Jazz didn’t keep Kessler, but they received two unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps in the sign-and-trade. That was a significant return on investment for a team that didn’t commit to a long-term contract extension.

The Mavs might want to follow in the Jazz’s footsteps to see if the 22-year-old big man fully recovers from his season-ending foot surgery. He could shine next season, but Dallas would continue to hold most of the leverage when he becomes a restricted free agent.