Ranking every Dallas Mavericks player by trade value ahead of 2024-25 season

2. Dereck Lively II

Heading into the 2023 NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks were searching for rim protection. The team had just missed the playoffs for the first time in multiple seasons, and it was clear they needed an upgrade at center.

Dallas decided to trade back two spots in the first round and select Dereck Lively II out of Duke. Lively II was arguably the best defensive player in the draft outside of Victor Wembanyama, and it's safe to say that Dallas struck gold with this pick.

Lively II started his rookie season off with a bang as he outplayed Wembanyama in his first game, and he never slowed down. He quickly became a key component to Dallas winning games, and without him on the floor, the Mavs struggled.

Teams from around the league were already calling Dallas about Lively II at the trade deadline, and the Mavs pretty much made him untouchable. Lively II already has outstanding trade value, and considering that he is only 20 years old and is on a team-friendly rookie deal, someone would have to give up an absolute haul if they wanted to acquire him.

Last season for Dallas, Lively II averaged 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game. Lively II was an absolute star in his role for the Mavs, and he is the speculated starting center for next season.

It will be a dogfight between Daniel Gafford and Lively II for who nabs this starting center spot, and Lively II has the potential to be the defensive anchor for Dallas for years to come.