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2h ago

Dereck Lively II Not Cleared for Mavericks Training Camp

Delayed medical clearance raises doubt about his readiness for the regular-season opener, complicating a time-sensitive rookie-extension window.

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Oct 26, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) looks for the ball during the game between the Mavericks and the Raptors at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Reports on Sept. 24 said Lively has not been medically cleared to join Dallas’ training camp and his availability for the season opener remains undetermined.
  • He has had two right-foot operations — a July 2025 procedure for bone spurs and a season-ending surgery in December 2025 — and has played just 43 games over the past two seasons.
  • Team sources say Lively is 'ramping up' in rehab, Mavericks GM Mike Schmitz praised his work and the organization is not publicly discouraged by his progress.
  • Dallas has frontcourt options to cover minutes, including Daniel Gafford, Santi Aldama, rookie Morez Johnson Jr., PJ Washington and Moussa Cisse.
  • Lively’s missed camp reps reduce his chance to build on-court chemistry with Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving and his uncertain health complicates extension talks that must be resolved by Oct. 19 or risk him becoming a restricted free agent next summer.