The Dallas Mavericks have formally applied for Disabled Player Exceptions for Dereck Lively II and Dante Exum, NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Monday, December 29. Both players are sidelined for the season due to significant injuries.
Exum, 30, re-signed with the Mavericks on a one-year contract on September 2, but was ruled out for the season on November 20 after requiring right knee surgery before appearing in any games. Lively, 21, suffered a right foot injury in December, forcing a season-ending procedure that further depletes Dallas’ frontcourt.
The Mavericks currently hold a 12-21 record, placing them 15.5 games behind the Western Conference leaders. Dallas averages 113.5 points per game while allowing 117.5.
Dallas’ rotation has leaned on Cooper Flagg, who is averaging 19.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists over 32 games. P.J. Washington contributes 15.7 points and 7.9 rebounds, while Anthony Davis adds 20.5 points and 10.9 rebounds in 16 appearances. Max Christie provides 11.4 points and 3.4 assists, but injuries to Lively and Exum leave gaps in the roster.
Lively had averaged 4.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 16.4 minutes per game over seven contests this season, while Exum had yet to appear due to his knee injury. The Disabled Player Exception would allow the Mavericks to replace part of the lost production without affecting their salary cap significantly.
The DPE application signals Dallas’ intent to stay competitive despite mounting injuries. The league will review the requests and determine the financial flexibility available for the team to acquire a replacement player.
