What happened
The Mavericks declined to extend Dereck Lively II before the rookie-scale deadline, putting him on track for restricted free agency after the 2026-27 season unless Dallas reaches a new deal first.
His situation is shaped by availability: he played 36 games in 2024-25, only seven games the year before after foot surgery, and he remains out at the start of this season.
Dallas keeps control through restricted free agency, but Lively’s absence leaves the center rotation without a long-term commitment until he proves he is healthy again.
Automated brief based on the linked report. Lineup context is analysis; official starting-five labels come separately from our game data provider.
Original reporting: Mavericks pass on Dereck Lively II extension — Yahoo Sports ↗