RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesMavericks begin early extension talks with 7-1 All-Rookie center on $7.2M deal originally appeared on The Sporting News .
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When Dereck Lively II is healthy, he’s absolutely lethal. But the problem is, we barely see him. When he's on the floor, the 22-year-old center plays like the franchise's primary asset, shooting over 70% in his first two years.
But foot and ankle issues have derailed his momentum, limiting him to just 98 total games since Dallas drafted him 12th overall in 2023. Last year, he played only seven games before season-ending foot surgery in December, which dragged his shooting down to 61.1%.
Despite that, the Mavericks are making a surprising move by offering Dereck Lively II an extension despite his injuries. Dallas wants to secure their center now rather than wait. According to NBA insider Marc Stein on his Substack, the team could offer Lively a new deal before the new season.
“Told today that Dallas has held some early-stage talks with Dereck Lively II on a possible contract extension," Stein reported . "Lively, 22, is eligible for a new deal until Opening Night Eve but played in just seven games in 2025-26 before foot surgery."
Told today that Dallas has held some early stage talks with Dereck Lively II on a possible contract extension. Lively, 22, is eligible for a new deal until Opening Night Eve but played in just seven games in 2025-26 before foot surgery. More NBA Intel: https://t.co/Bi4MVP7QMm https://t.co/YGDbLfnXR8
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 27, 2026 The 7' 1" center is in the final year of his four-year, $22.28 million rookie contract, making $7.24 million this season. He has until the day before opening night in October to sign an extension.
If he doesn’t, he becomes a restricted free agent next summer. Then another team could offer him a massive contract and Dallas would be forced to match it or let him walk.
But given the current report, it seems like the Mavs front office wants to avoid that headache because when he's in good health, Lively is incredibly valuable.
He made the All-Rookie team by averaging 8.8 points and 6.9 rebounds on 74.7% shooting, and he is a perfect rim-protector next to Cooper Flagg. Locking him into a cheaper deal now protects Dallas if he stays healthy and his price tag skyrockets later.
So, whatever they decide about Lively, they can’t dodge the risk by any means.
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