Mavericks may be forced into brutal Dereck Lively II decision sooner than expected

The Dallas Mavericks cannot afford to repeat any injuries or illnesses like they had last year heading into the 2025-26 season, and if they do, they would be perhaps the unluckiest team in NBA history. Some other fanbases might have something to say about that, but no fanbase has ever gone through a roller coaster of emotional changes like the Mavs, at least in recent memory.

In 2023, the Mavs clearly needed to address their big man woes, as that had been a problem for multiple seasons. Dallas needed to get some help in the draft following their Christian Wood woes. The answer was Dereck Lively II, whom they selected with the No. 12 pick. Lively II has proven to be dominant defensively in the paint, while being a perfect lob threat for Luka Doncic on the other end, which will hopefully be taken over by his new co-star, Cooper Flagg. With injuries haunting Lively II's young career, it's not extreme to say that their future at the center position is a gray area at this point if he can't stay healthy next season.

Earlier this summer, it was reported that Lively II went through foot surgery to clean up bone spurs, in hopes that the former Duke big man would be ready by the time we hit the regular season. The news wasn't too shocking, as his injury disaster with his foot was no secret, but it brings up a continuous problem since he only played 36 games in the 2024-25 season. This could spell a big season for Lively II coming up, but not in the way he was ever expecting.

Dereck Lively II's continuous injuries may force Mavs into tough decision

The Mavs have had injury problems of all sorts last season, but Lively II's injury history has been more concerning. In just two seasons, Lively II's ankle woes were enough to address how his long-term health would take off, and if it wouldn't be out of the picture to rethink the Mavs' plans at the center position after next season if things go south.

The move wouldn't come with little thought, however, as Lively II was an important part of the Mavs' success in his rookie season. The rumors of Lively II flirting with a deep-range shot simply have to stop, but as Mavs fans know, Mark Cuban doesn't shy away from creating headlines. His presence down low defensively is also dominant, and his size is perfect, which could make for some pretty interesting mock trades if the Mavs decide to go that route.

The Mavs also wouldn't be completely in the dust if they decide to move on from the young big man. As Daniel Gafford just inked a three-year, $54 million extension this summer, Gafford isn't completely untouchable. Lively II being traded would also mean that P.J. Washington, Anthony Davis, and Gafford would be the main bodies down low, while also clearing up their big man logjam that's been in question for quite a while.

Let's make no mistake, the Mavs wouldn't have gotten to the 2024 NBA Finals without Lively II. That shows how much value he could be worth for other teams. Of course, other GMs will ask why they want to trade a young big man who has lightyears ahead of him. Nico Harrison already knows about that from the Doncic trade, so he might have to pull a Rob Pelinka against another GM when discussing the risk of Lively II, especially considering he is eligible for an extension next summer.

Harrison must decide if he is worth an extension, and quite frankly, if he's a long-term piece that he'd like to build around.