Dallas Mavericks pass on Dereck Lively II extension

The Dallas Mavericks have decided not to offer a rookie-scale extension to center Dereck Lively II before the deadline. Lively will enter restricted free agency following the 2026-27 season if a new agreement is not reached sooner.

The decision follows a period of significant injury for the 22-year-old. After an impressive rookie season that included an All-Rookie selection and a run to the NBA Finals, Lively has struggled with availability, playing only seven games last season before undergoing season-ending foot surgery.

While the Mavericks risk losing Lively to a higher market value if he returns to form, the restricted free agency status allows Dallas to match outside offers. Currently, Lively remains sidelined and is listed on the injury report as out for the season opener against the Houston Rockets, alongside teammates Santi Aldama, Tarik Biberovic, and Caleb Martin.