The Dallas Mavericks hoped this season they could make a step further and compete for a championship. After signing Klay Thompson in the offseason, they hoped that they could bolster their offense and get back to the NBA Finals. But injuries have ravaged their season, and the latest report is that their young center, Dereck Lively II will be out for two to three months. Let’s delve deeper into the latest Dereck Lively injury update.
What Dereck Lively’s Injury Means for the Mavs
Lively has been out of the lineup since January 14. The second-year center has developed into a cornerstone for the Mavs as their starting center. In 32 games this season, he has averaged 9.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. Last year, as a rookie, he was instrumental in helping the Mavericks reach the NBA Finals.
For now, the Dallas Mavericks will continue starting Daniel Gafford in his place. Gafford has been great in the last couple of games for the Mavericks. He has scored 31 and 27 points, but both came in a loss. For the season, Gafford averages 12.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.6 blocks.
How Does Dereck Lively’s Injury Impact Dallas’ Trade Plans?
The latest Dereck Lively injury update will likely have an impact on the Dallas Mavericks trade aspirations. There were rumors that the Mavs might be willing to part ways with Gafford for another player. But now, with Lively expected to miss time until the playoffs, the Mavs can only trade Gafford if they get another center in return. Otherwise, they will have to give more minutes to Dwight Powell and Maxi Kleber or play PJ Washington as their center. Neither of those options works great.
Can the Mavs Make a Move at the Deadline?
The Mavericks are expected to be a buyer at the deadline, as the team is trying to improve its roster. There were plenty of rumors lately that they will make Gafford available in trade talks. He is making $13 million this season and $14 million next year. With Lively’s emergence, Gafford became expendable. Now, however, things might change.
Dallas has some other assets they can use in a trade, like their draft picks. They have their first-round picks in 2025, 26, and 2031. They also own a second-round pick from either Philadelphia or Detroit in 2025. They also have the expiring contracts of Dante Exum, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Quentin Grimes. Maxi Kleber has a $11 million per year contract expiring after next season.
Can the Mavericks Survive Dereck Lively’s Injury?
The Mavericks are currently the seventh seed in the Western Conference, they are one game behind the Los Angeles Lakers. But they have a tough stretch coming up in the next few days. They play at home vs. Minnesota, and then on the road against Oklahoma City. They come back home to play Boston. Until the deadline, they will also play the Wizards at home, the Pelicans away, the Pistons away, the Cavs away, and the Sixers away.
Gafford has been good in the past several games starting in place of Lively. Long-term, the Mavs will be good with Luka Doncic and Lively as their two young cornerstone players. Their big challenge will come this summer when Kyrie Irving has a player option. For now, the Mavericks will have to hope they can get to the playoffs healthy. Doncic hasn’t played since December. If they get to the playoffs healthy, they have proven in the past that they can win on the road.
