New NBA Rumors on Dereck Lively II Contract Talks amid Foot Injury Recovery

Dereck Lively II only played seven games in the 2025-26 season and had season-ending surgery in December due to issues with his right foot. Nonetheless, the young center remains a major part of the Dallas Mavericks' future plans.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Dallas "held some early-stage talks with Lively on a possible contract extension."

Trying to determine Lively's long-term value is a bit tricky, however.

The 22-year-old has only appeared in 98 games across his first three seasons, averaging 8.4 points, seven rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting 72.5 percent from the field. His defensive impact, athleticism and ability to finish above the rim as a lob threat makes him an enticing young talent.

He was also a valuable piece for a Mavs team that reached the NBA Finals in the 2023-24 season, and that was as a rookie.

Dallas has begun compiling an intriguing young core in recent seasons and Lively fits that timeline, joining franchise cornerstone Cooper Flagg, 2026 first-rounder Morez Johnson Jr. and players like Max Christie and Zaccharie Risacher.

But how much will the Mavericks be willing to commit to a player who has been plagued by injuries in all three of his NBA seasons?

That question surely will play a major part in negotiations. But given his upside, an extension still makes sense.