Dereck Lively II hasn’t received medical clearance to participate in the Mavericks’ training camp as he continues to recover from a surgical procedure on his right foot, sources tell Tim MacMahon of ESPN. He adds that Lively’s status for the start of the regular season “has yet to be determined.”
However, MacMahon’s sources state that the 22-year-old center is “ramping up” toward being cleared for basketball activity and the team isn’t discouraged by the pace of his recovery.
Lively underwent season-ending surgery in December to address persistent discomfort in the foot. He had an operation on the same foot in July of 2025 to clear up bone spurs.
He was limited to seven games last season and has played in 43 total over the past two years. During his one healthy season, Lively appeared in 55 games as a rookie and was an important part of Dallas’ run to the 2024 NBA Finals.
Mavericks general manager Mike Schmitz said last month that Lively is “working his tail off” in an attempt to get healthy and complimented his “mentality” and “voice” throughout the rehab process.
The injuries will complicate negotiations on a rookie scale extension for Lively, who is eligible for a new deal through October 19. If an agreement can’t be reached by then, he will become a restricted free agent next summer.
The Mavericks will hold media day on Friday and will begin training camp the next day. Their first preseason game is Oct. 9 in Macao.