Dallas Mavericks Center Dereck Lively II To Undergo Season-Ending Foot Surgery

Grant AfsethDecember 10, 2025December 10, 2025no comment

NBA Trade Idea Sends Dallas Mavericks' Dereck Lively II, Caleb Martin to Los Angeles Lakers

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The Dallas Mavericks announced Wednesday that center Dereck Lively II will undergo season-ending surgery on his right foot, concluding a year defined by repeated setbacks and limited availability. The procedure will be performed by Dr. James Calder at the Fortius Clinic in London.

According to the team, Lively is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for the start of training camp. Further updates will be provided as appropriate.

“Dereck has handled every challenge of this season with professionalism and resilience,” said Dallas Mavericks Co-Interim General Manager Matt Riccardi. “While this is a setback, we’re confident in his long-term future and will support him fully through his recovery.”

Lively has averaged 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 points, and 1.9 assists in seven games this season.

Ongoing Foot Issues Lead to Season-Ending Decision

Lively’s year effectively ended as swelling and discomfort persisted in his surgically repaired foot. Before Monday’s loss to the Miami Heat, he was listed under right foot injury management, and the Mavericks initially stated he would be reevaluated in seven to 10 days. Continued medical consultation guided the decision toward surgery rather than further conservative care.

Foot problems have defined much of Lively’s early career. He underwent offseason surgery in July to clean out bone spurs from the same foot. Last season, he missed more than two months due to a stress fracture originally diagnosed as an ankle sprain. He returned for part of the stretch run but required additional procedures during the summer.

This season, Lively also missed nearly three weeks after spraining his right knee on Oct. 26. He returned on Nov. 14 under an 18-minute limit, appearing in four games before sitting out Nov. 22 in Memphis on the second night of a back-to-back for right knee injury management. His final game came in the Nov. 21 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd addressed Lively’s search for multiple medical opinions last week, noting how difficult the process has been for a young player.

“For a 21-year-old, it’s tough. He wants to play. Unfortunately, he can’t play right now,” Kidd said. “Hopefully, as he goes through this process of finding other opinions of what he should do, it brings resolve and he can get back to playing because we miss him, but he misses playing.”

Roster, Rotation, and Cap Implications for Dallas Mavericks

With Lively sidelined, Dallas will navigate the remainder of the season with its remaining group of bigs: All-Star forward Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, veteran Dwight Powell, and two-way center Moussa Cisse.

The injury also positions Dallas to pursue additional help if it chooses. The Mavericks will be eligible to apply for a $2.6 million Disabled Player Exception for Lively. If granted, the exception would allow the team to sign, claim, or trade for a player on a one-year contract worth up to that amount. Dallas would need an open roster spot and must remain below the second apron to utilize the mechanism.

Lively has appeared in 98 of 189 possible regular-season games since entering the NBA. His immediate priority now shifts to a full rehabilitation process intended to stabilize the foot issues that have repeatedly interrupted his development.

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Tags :Anthony Davis Dallas Mavericks Daniel Gafford Dereck Lively II Dwight Powell Mavericks News Moussa Cissé NBA NBA Injuries NBA News

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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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