Overview
- Dallas’ decision maintains team control that would funnel Lively into restricted free agency in 2027 if no extension is reached next summer.
- Rookie-scale option decisions for the 2026–27 season are due on Oct. 31, and the Mavericks acted ahead of the deadline.
- After a July procedure to remove right-foot bone spurs, Lively was available in the preseason and is expected to play in Wednesday’s opener at San Antonio.
- Across two seasons he has averaged about 8.8 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 23 minutes, with over 70% shooting from the field.
- He earned All-Rookie Second Team honors, made the Rising Stars in 2024 and 2025, set a 74.7% rookie field-goal mark for Dallas, and was originally drafted 12th by Oklahoma City before his rights were traded to the Mavericks.