Dereck Lively II Underwent a Successful Surgery

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II underwent a successful surgery, as of Sunday, Dec. 21. Read on for the latest on Lively II’s surgery.

Dereck Lively II’s Surgery Status

According to Mavs PR, Dereck Lively II underwent a successful surgery on his right foot. Lively II’s surgery was performed by Dr. James Calder at the Fortius Clinic in London.
Mavs PR’s post on X, formerly Twitter, drew mixed reviews. X user Hayley Fleming wrote, “Good luck with your surgery.

You’ve got this!” Another X user Mark Campbell stated, “He’s had 11 different injuries that caused him to miss multiple games throughout 3 seasons of NBA play. He’s more likely to miss a free throw (42%) than to play a game (39%).”

Lively II’s Outlook

This isn’t Lively II’s first injury. Previously, Lively II suffered a stress fracture in his right ankle after opening 2024-25 averaging 9.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 32 games (25 starts) for the Mavericks. The Philadelphia native also missed three games in 2025 due to swelling and discomfort in his right knee.

The Philadelphia native’s latest injury and subsequent season-ending surgery — creates questions about his future with the Mavs. He has been sharing the starting center spot with Daniel Gafford, who picked him to have a breakout season, in October 2025. His injury was connected to his previous ailment, a stress fracture in his right ankle.

The Mavs have decisions to make before the Feb. 5 trade deadline. The Mavs’ potential decision to trade the 21-year-old just days before his 22nd birthday is possible, with an option for a $2. 6 million disabled player exception.

However, Dallas must have an open roster spot and fit the salary under the second apron, a new financial rule in the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Dallas’ current roster is full of 15 standard contracts, but there’s a possibility they can convert Ryan Nembhard to a standard contract once eligible.

Final Thoughts

Mavs co-interim general manager Matt Riccardi expressed support for Lively II’s recovery as Lively II prepares for another challenging road back to the court.
“Dereck has handled every challenge of this season with professionalism and resilience,” Riccardi said in a prepared statement.

“While this is a setback, we’re confident in his long-term future and will support him fully through his recovery.” The Mavs reportedly expected the former Duke star to be healthy enough to participate in next season’s training camp. But, until then, Dallas will navigate this season without him and potentially trade veteran guard Dante Exum to create space for a new player.