After a strong start with the Dallas Mavericks, rookie Dereck Lively II is reportedly unavailable in trade discussions ahead of the deadline on Feb. 8, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
The Mavericks have had exploratory trade calls with teams and are reportedly looking to acquire a forward who can help increase their chances of making a deep playoff run. They are expected to evaluate the roster before the deadline and determine if a trade is needed.
The team has several players on the roster it can include in a potential trade offer, but the front office is unwilling to include Lively, the 12th pick out of Duke.
Mavericks center Dereck Lively has drawn trade interest from rival teams, but Dallas has told those who’ve called he’s not for sale, league sources told HoopsHype.
Lively has started in 30 of his 31 games, averaging 8.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.3 assists on 73.5% shooting from the field. He ranks among the rookie leaders in several categories: Rebounds (second), offensive rebounds (first) and blocks (third).
The 19-year-old has emerged as a key player for the Mavericks. He has made a tremendous impact on games, given his presence in the paint and ability to protect the paint with 42 total blocks. He has also earned the respect of his teammates, who have praised the 7-footer often.
Lively certainly has a bright future, and it isn’t surprising the organization has no willingness to trade him. They have been better with him in the lineup and want to keep him around for the foreseeable future.
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