Photo: Dallas Mavericks/X

Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum has sustained a serious right wrist injury that could sideline him for an extended period. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Exum’s injury may require surgery, and treatment options are being evaluated.

Exum’s injury comes as an early season setback for Dallas, just months after the guard played a key role in the Mavericks’ run to the 2024 NBA Finals. His performance off the bench was pivotal in Dallas’ deep playoff push.

The injury is a significant blow for both Exum and the Mavericks, as the team had high expectations for him this season. Exum emerged as a reliable reserve, contributing on both ends of the court with solid defense and improved three-point shooting.

Exum signed with Dallas in July 2023 after playing several seasons in the EuroLeague, returning to the NBA after finding success in Europe.

During the 2023-24 season, Exum averaged 7.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while playing 19.8 minutes per contest. His standout performance came on December 12, 2023, when he scored a season-high 26 points and made a career-high seven three-pointers in a win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Dallas will now await further medical evaluations to determine the severity of Exum’s wrist injury and whether surgery is necessary. For a team looking to contend in the tough Western Conference, losing a key player this early in the season is a tough challenge.