The Dallas Mavericks are experiencing a challenging season. After acquiring Cooper Flagg in the 2025 NBA Draft, expectations around the franchise were sky-high. Many believed the move would push Dallas back into playoff contention.
However, things have not gone as planned. With a 12–21 record, injuries and inconsistency have derailed the Mavericks’ campaign, forcing the organization to make another important decision.
NBA Insider Has Made a Revelation Regarding the Dallas Mavericks
NBA insider Mark Stein has recently shared some key news. The Mavericks have requested a Disabled Player Exception for Dereck Lively II and Dante Exum from the league. If approved, this could allow Dallas to add a replacement player while navigating cap limits.
The Mavericks have formally applied to the league office for a Disabled Player Exception on both Dereck Lively II and Dante Exum, league sources say.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) December 29, 2025
If we see that Lively came into the league in 2023. The Thunder picked him 12th overall and traded him straight to Dallas. He inked his rookie deal that year and showed real promise. Last season, a stress fracture in his right ankle kept him out for 36 games in a row and he came back in April for a few late-season spots.
Then, over the summer, surgery cleared bone spurs from his right foot. Just days ago, Shams Charania reported another season-ending operation for Lively.
“Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II will undergo season-ending right foot procedure to address lingering discomfort, sources tell me and Tim MacMahon. Lively… is expected to make a full recovery,” reported Charania.
This season, he’s played only seven games. In about 16.4 minutes each game, he put up 4.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game. Dante Exum’s story adds to the pain.
Back in November, word came out that the guard needed season-ending surgery on his right knee. Issues popped up after an offseason fix. Exum had just re-signed with Dallas on a one-year pact as a free agent. Now he’s out for good, thinning the backcourt even more.
Moreover, the Mavericks’ injury problems don’t stop there. Anthony Davis got hurt on Christmas Day versus the Golden State Warriors. He lasted just 11 minutes before tweaking his right groin, and now he’s listed as “questionable”. Others on the list include Brandon Williams and Kyrie Irving. This makes depth a real headache.
With the squad banged up and the record slipping, this Disabled Player Exception push makes total sense. Dallas needs options to stay in the fight. The front office is acting fast to plug holes without breaking the bank.
