Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II has not been cleared for training camp as he continues recovering from right foot surgery, sources told ESPN. After playing a key role in the Mavericks' 2024 NBA Finals run as a rookie, Lively's career has been hampered by recurring right foot issues, requiring two surgeries in the past 14 months. He underwent his second surgery in December, ending his 2025-26 season after just seven games.

Lively has played only 43 games over the last two seasons. Despite the setbacks, sources say the team remains encouraged by his progress as he ramps up toward basketball activity. Dallas begins training camp Saturday.

Lively, 22, the No. 12 pick in the 2023 draft, is entering the final season of his rookie contract. If healthy, the 7-foot-1, 230-pound Lively could be a significant part of Dallas' long-term core alongside reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg. He has career averages of 8.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 22.9 minutes per game.