Dereck Lively Not Cleared For Training Camp, Could Miss Start Of Season

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II has not received medical clearance for the team's upcoming training camp as he continues to recover from right foot surgery, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN. The 22-year-old center's availability for the start of the regular season remains undetermined, though sources report he is ramping up toward clearance and the Mavericks are not discouraged by his recovery pace.

Lively underwent season-ending surgery in December following an earlier foot procedure in July 2025, which limited him to just seven appearances last season. The injury situation comes as Lively is eligible for a rookie scale contract extension through October 19, without which he will enter restricted free agency next summer.