Mavericks Reach Deadline Without Dereck Lively II, Marcus Sasser Extensions

The Dallas Mavericks reached Monday's deadline without agreeing to rookie-scale extensions with center Dereck Lively II or guard Marcus Sasser. Both players will spend the 2026-27 season on the final year of their rookie contracts, with Lively set to earn $7,239,131 and Sasser earning $5,198,983. Dallas retains the ability to make either player a restricted free agent next summer by extending a qualifying offer.

Lively remains sidelined while rehabbing from right foot surgery and did not participate in Dallas' four preseason games, though team officials report he has progressed to on-court shooting. Meanwhile, Sasser was acquired from the Detroit Pistons in a six-team trade in July and made his preseason debut against the Atlanta Hawks after overcoming an adductor injury.