The Dallas Mavericks are struggling with a 9-16 record, sitting just four spots above the bottom of the West. It’s far from what the franchise expected, and several issues have played a part. None, though, has been more damaging than injuries. Instead of easing up, the situation has taken another hit, as a new update confirms the Mavericks’ health troubles are only getting worse.

“Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II will undergo season-ending right foot procedure to address lingering discomfort, sources tell me and Tim MacMahon. Lively, who played 7 games this season, is expected to make a full recovery,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on X.

The 21-year-old had been dealing with discomfort in his foot, which limited his action to just seven games this season. So, hopefully, after going through this foot surgery, Dereck Lively II will be able to make a strong comeback. Nonetheless, this is a massive blow, both for the player and the Mavericks.

This is the second straight season that Lively II has suffered a huge setback. Last season, after just suiting up for 36 games, the center suffered a foot injury for which he only underwent a procedure during the summer and was hoping to return to full fitness. However, now he’s suffered yet another blow, which will keep him on the sidelines for the rest of the season.

Lively burst onto the scene as a rookie a couple season ago, where he was a key frontcourt piece for the Mavs in their run to the NBA Finals. Since then, injuries have stopped him from developing into a staple within the Dallas roster. As for the Mavs, this puts them in a really tough spot, as they now only have two centers available for the rest of the season, Anthony Davis and Daniel Gafford.

While under normal circumstances this wouldn’t be such a bad rotation, what makes this situation difficult is that the franchise was reportedly looking to offload AD. However, that would leave them with just one center for the remainder of the season, unless, of course, they land a center in exchange for their star player. So, what should be the Mavericks’ next move?

Should Dallas trade Anthony Davis after Dereck Lively II’s injury?

After the Dallas Mavericks parted ways with longtime GM Nico Harrison, reports emerged that the franchise is also looking to move past Anthony Davis, who was the key acquisition in the Luka Doncic trade last season. This came after the Brow failed to make a solid impression in a Mavs jersey, spending a significant amount of time on the sidelines.

However, even though the 32-year-old has missed some time, he remains a solid player. This season, Anthony Davis has been averaging 19.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. In fact, he’s been one of the better players for Dallas when available this season. Now, with Dereck Lively II out for the rest of the season, AD’s presence might be needed even more than before.

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Reason? Dallas’ playoff dreams are already slim, and if they wait until the end of this season to trade Davis, they might not get much value out of him, given his age and injury record.

This means that if Dallas gets a good offer on the table for the veteran, they should take it. While it might cost them this season, looking at the bigger picture, if they can surround Cooper Flagg with the right pieces and when Kyrie Irving gets back, it would be the right choice. Nonetheless, this is mere speculation for now, as we’ll have to wait and see what the front office decides.