Mavericks can't let this injury disaster push them into another nightmare trade

Dereck Lively II made a strong first impression on the Dallas Mavericks and their fans when he made the 2024 NBA All-Rookie Second Team. However, as much as Lively II may be a solid player, his health has been a major issue. Fans are fed up, as he is now out of the lineup with a foot injury, and they're at the point where they think that the team should trade him.

Despite their frustration, now is not the time to trade him as his injuries this season have likely drove his trade value way down.

Lively II appeared to have been a force for years for the Mavericks organization when he broke out two seasons ago. Lively II was an underappreciated player in the Mavericks' run to the 2024 NBA Finals. Now, it's clear that his injury history may be the one thing holding him back from greatness in Big D.

Dereck Lively II's health issues will keep him in Dallas for now

When healthy, Lively II is a talented defensive anchor that the Mavericks can use in the starting lineup or off the bench, but his injury history is turning into a red flag that Dallas can't overlook. It's holding them back from maximizing his value on the trade market, and their best bet would be to hold onto him for the time being.

In his rookie season, Lively II missed 27 games. Last season was when the injuries really turned into a major concern for him. Lively II only played in 36 games. After last season, Lively II had offseason surgery on his right foot to clean up bone spurs, and this is the same foot that is giving him problems right now.

Lively II needed a big season in 2025-26 to help him convince the Mavericks he's worth a contract extension. However, this season has been tough for Lively II, with him only playing in seven games. Lively II hasn't played since November 21, when he recorded 4 points in just 18 minutes. Now, the Mavericks fear that Lively II may be out for an extended time.

It's clear that Mavericks fans are starting to become done with Lively II and his inability to get on the court. Although Maverick fans may want the team to trade Lively II, injuries will hurt his value for a potential trade.

Despite being a solid player when healthy, teams won't want to trade for Lively II if he can't get on the court.

Being a young 7-foot big man with this many lower-body injuries already also hurts Lively II. In this case, it's Lively II's foot. Lively II also mentioned how he grew a little bit during the offseason, which could make him even more injury-prone.

Lively II has immense potential when he's healthy, but this season may already be a wash for him. It may be best for the Mavericks to consider trading Lively II away next season, or the team could keep him next year in a prove-it type year. Lively II has one year remaining on his rookie contract, but time will tell if he will be a Maverick moving forward.

Despite fan frustration, trading Lively II now would be the worst possible move that they could make. His value is likely awful right now due to his inability to stay on the court, and Dallas has to play this out.