The Dallas Mavericks are not rushing to waive Dante Exum yet because they hope to use his $3.3 million salary as a trade asset rather than immediately opening a roster spot for Ryan Nembhard.
The Dallas Mavericks have been granted disabled player exceptions for Dereck Lively II and Dante Exum, though the Australian guard is still expected to be waived at some point before the February 5 deadline.
According to Marc Stein, Dallas is not in a hurry to waive Exum to open a roster spot for Ryan Nembhard, who is on a two-way deal.
Instead, the Mavs are exploring the possibility of using Exum's $3.3 million salary as part of any potential trade.
Exum, 30, underwent season-ending knee surgery after experiencing complications from a right knee procedure during the offseason.
A follow-up surgery was later deemed necessary, and he has not appeared in a game this season.
Despite ongoing injury issues last year -- including a broken hand that limited him to 20 games in 2024-25 -- Exum averaged 8.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game.
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