Mavs C Dereck Lively II to have season-ending foot surgery

Field Level Media|published: Wed 10th December, 12:52 2025

Nov 14, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) looks on during an NBA Cup game between the Mavericks and the Clippers at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II will undergo season-ending surgery on his right foot, the team announced Wednesday.

Per the Mavericks, Lively is expected to make a full recovery and be available for the start of training camp for the 2026-27 season.

The 7-foot-1 Lively was bothered by the same foot last season when he was limited to 36 games and underwent offseason surgery to remove bone spurs.

Lively, 21, has appeared in just seven games (four starts) this season, averaging 4.3 points and 5.3 rebounds. He hasn't played more than 21 minutes while averaging 16.4 minutes per game.

"Dereck has handled every challenge of this season with professionalism and resilience," Mavericks co-interim general manager Matt Riccardi said, per the Dallas Morning News. "While this is a setback, we're confident in his long-term future & will support him fully through his recovery."

Lively last played in a game on Nov. 21, collecting four points and four rebounds in 18 minutes in a win against the New Orleans Pelicans.

He has career averages of 8.4 points and 7.0 rebounds in 98 games (75 starts) since being selected with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. He has made a stellar 72.5% of his shots from the field.

--Field Level Media

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