Dereck Lively II remains the biggest wild card for the Dallas Mavericks. As talented as he is, he has rarely been healthy enough to make a difference on a consistent basis.

Lively was vital to the run to the NBA Finals in 2024. Yet he has played just 41 games since that postseason, including only seven games last season before season-ending foot surgery. The center underwent three procedures on the same foot in 2025 after a stress fracture was initially misdiagnosed as a sprained ankle. He was nearing a return when the fracture was discovered. He also needed bone spurs removed the previous offseason.

The Mavericks need a player like Lively on the court. He is comfortable catching the ball in a short roll and passing out to an open shooter. Not every center can make that read consistently. The skill elevates an offense by creating extra spacing and additional shooting opportunities for teammates. That ability fits perfectly alongside Luka Doncic's creation and playmaking.

Still, Lively cannot be counted on to stay healthy given his track record. The Mavericks must weigh whether his ceiling-raising talent on both ends of the floor outweighs the durability risks. Multiple teams have shown exploratory interest in the 21-year-old this offseason. Clubs appear to be testing whether Dallas would sell low on a young big with two-way upside but a concerning medical history.

Teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks are among those searching for center help. Any potential deal would likely require extensive medical review. The Mavericks could pursue a more reliable veteran center or additional draft capital in return. Dallas built its roster identity around Doncic and requires a mobile, passing big to complement him in the frontcourt.

If Lively can stay healthy for a full season, his combination of size, passing feel and defensive versatility could anchor the Mavericks' frontcourt next to Doncic. Few alternatives offer the same two-way potential when available. The franchise now sits at a pivotal decision point heading into training camp: commit to Lively through the challenges or explore moves that address his availability concerns while preserving the roster's ceiling.