‘He’s Getting Re-Evaluated’: Jason Kidd Shares Latest On Danté Exum’s Knee Injury Recovery

Grant AfsethNovember 8, 2025November 8, 2025no comment

Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images

Danté Exum remains sidelined with a lingering right knee injury and has yet to make his season debut for the Dallas Mavericks as the team continues to navigate Kyrie Irving‘s absence.

The team continues to take a cautious approach to his recovery, with head coach Jason Kidd confirming before Saturday’s game against the Washington Wizards that Exum is still undergoing evaluation.

“That’s a great question,” Kidd told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “He’s getting re-evaluated, and we’ll see how that goes.”

Danté Exum’s Return Timeline Still Unclear

Exum, 30, has remained sidelined, including Saturday’s matchup in Washington. His next potential opportunity to return would be Monday against the Milwaukee Bucks, though there remains no clear timetable for his availability.

The veteran guard has not practiced since early in training camp and continues to be listed as out due to right knee injury management.

Exum averaged 8.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 20 games last season, providing Dallas with a blend of perimeter defense, secondary ball handling, and steady decision-making off the bench. His absence this year has been felt in both the backcourt rotation and the Mavericks’ defensive schemes.

Backcourt Depth Being Tested

With Exum unavailable and Irving (left knee surgery) still recovering, Dallas has leaned on other options to fill the guard rotation. Klay Thompson (illness) was also ruled out for Saturday’s game, leaving D’Angelo Russell as the team’s primary playmaker alongside Ryan Nembhard and Brandon Williams, both of whom have earned expanded minutes amid the injuries.

With Thompson sidelined, Kidd pointed to Jaden Hardy as another player who could provide an offensive spark off the bench.

“Ryan did a really good job for us [in Memphis],” Kidd said. “Hardy can give us a spark, too. With Klay out, that gives Hardy more minutes.”

Dallas Mavericks Continue to Manage Injuries

The Mavericks entered Saturday’s contest with six players on the injury report. Along with Exum, Irving, and Thompson, Anthony Davis (left calf strain) and Dereck Lively II (right knee sprain) remain out, while Daniel Gafford (right ankle sprain) was upgraded to available after being a game-time decision.

Dallas (2–7) continues to search for rhythm after dropping four straight games and will look to regroup Monday when it returns home to host the Milwaukee Bucks.

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Grant Afseth

Senior Writer

Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.

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‘He’s Getting Re-Evaluated’: Jason Kidd Shares Latest On Danté Exum’s Knee Injury Recovery