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The Dallas Mavericks’ season has gone from bad to worse with the latest update on Dereck Lively II.

The Mavs announced on Wednesday that Lively II will be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to injury.

The center had already missed the last eight games, but he will now undergo season-ending surgery on his right foot.

Lively II’s injury may have also scuppered the Mavericks’ plans for All-Star teammate Anthony Davis.

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Anthony Davis trade becomes more difficult for Dallas Mavericks

Anthony Davis arrived in Dallas as part of the blockbuster Luka Doncic trade with the Los Angeles Lakers last season.

He was supposed to help the Mavs return to the NBA Finals, but injuries to him and Kyrie Irving have made that almost impossible.

Davis also does not fit the same timeline as 18-year-old rookie Cooper Flagg, who should be Dallas’ franchise player for years to come.

How does Dereck Lively II’s injury impact the Mavericks’ plans?

Anthony Davis trade ON or OFF?

Dereck Lively II to undergo season-ending foot surgery 😞

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This has led to speculation that the former Laker could be traded to another team before the deadline in February.

The plan would have been for the Mavs to enter a rebuild by trading Davis for a combination of young players and draft picks.

However, Lively II’s injury now means the Mavericks have a lack of depth in the frontcourt positions.

With Daniel Gafford also spending time on the sidelines recently, it may be considered foolish for them to trade Davis.

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Dallas Mavericks should still trade Anthony Davis

The Dallas Mavericks need to give up on this season and prioritize the long-term future of the organization.

This involves building a young and hungry team around Cooper Flagg that can contend in two or three years.

Rank these rookies from BEST to WORST…

• Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks)
• Derik Queen (New Orleans Pelicans)
• Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets)
• VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers)
• Jeremiah Fears (New Orleans Pelicans)

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That is exactly why the Mavericks should not let their current roster construction affect their plans to trade Anthony Davis.

Trading Davis would lead to plenty more defeats this season, but the assets they would receive should make up for it.

And the Mavericks could always target a promising big man, such as Onyeka Okongwu, to fill the minutes left by Davis’ departure.