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1h ago

Dereck Lively Not Cleared for Mavericks' Training Camp

Lack of a medical green light threatens his availability for the regular-season opener and raises pressure on contract talks ahead of the October 19 extension deadline.

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

Overview

  • Sources tell ESPN reporter Tim MacMahon that Lively has not been medically cleared to join Dallas’ training camp as he continues rehab from a right-foot surgery.
  • Team sources say Lively is 'ramping up' toward basketball activity and has not suffered a reported setback in his recovery.
  • The injuries trace to a July 2025 procedure to remove bone spurs and a season-ending right-foot surgery in December that limited him to seven games in 2025–26.
  • Lively’s clearance timeline affects both rotation planning for the Mavericks and pending contract talks because he is eligible for a rookie-scale extension through October 19.
  • Dallas has praised Lively’s work ethic during rehab and faces a roster decision that balances his 2024 Finals contribution with the reality that he has appeared in 43 games over the past two seasons.