Mavericks Apply for Disabled Player Exceptions for Dereck Lively II and Dante Exum
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Dallas, TX — The Dallas Mavericks have asked the NBA to grant disabled player exceptions (DPEs) for injured center Dereck Lively II and guard Dante Exum, according to reporter Marc Stein.
The requests come after both players were ruled out for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. A DPE is worth 50 percent of the injured player’s salary, giving Dallas potential spending room of $2,626,680 for Lively and $1,148,137 for Exum.
Even if approved, the Mavericks must remain below the league’s second-apron hard cap. The club sits roughly $1.29 million under that threshold.
Injuries End Seasons for Lively and Exum
Lively, 21, has dealt with recurring issues in his right foot since fracturing it last January. After surgery in July and additional setbacks—including a nine-game absence in October and November with a right knee sprain—he ultimately underwent another procedure earlier this month. The 7-footer appeared in just seven games this season, averaging 4.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 16.4 minutes.
Exum, 30, re-signed with Dallas in August but never suited up this season. Complications from an offseason procedure on his right knee led to follow-up surgery in December, ending his year before it began.
Deadline to Use the Exceptions
Under NBA rules, Dallas has until March 10 to spend either exception on a player who will be under contract only for the rest of the season. A roster spot must open before any signing, and the team cannot add salary under the hard cap until January 6.
Source: HoopsRumors
