archiveDereck Lively II

DHJ Quick Take: Mavericks Match Knicks' Offer Sheet, Keep Moussa Cissé The Dallas Mavericks matched the Knicks' two-year, $4.7 million offer sheet on center Moussa Cissé Saturday night, keeping the restricted free agent in Dallas. What are the terms? $2,185,116 in 2026-27 (50% guaranteed, fully guaranteed Oct. 1) and $2,571,895...

DHJ Quick Take: Mavericks Announce JPMorgan Chase Jersey Patch Partnership The Dallas Mavericks explained the thinking behind their new JPMorgan Chase jersey patch deal Wednesday, with CEO Rick Welts revealing the team never shopped the partnership around. Why did the Mavericks choose Chase over other bidders? Welts said the team...

DHJ Quick Take: Dallas Mavericks Make LeBron James' Free Agency Board on Business Appeal Alone Rich Paul included the Mavericks among 10 teams LeBron James is considering in free agency, but the pitch for Dallas skipped the roster in favor of Masai Ujiri and the city's business ties. That leaves...

DHJ Quick Take: Mavericks' Williams, Bagley Draw Free Agency Interest Brandon Williams and Marvin Bagley III have both attracted interest from rival teams as NBA free agency opens, and Dallas has reason to keep each in the fold. Who's drawing interest? Unrestricted free agents Brandon Williams and Marvin Bagley III,...

DHJ Quick Take: Dereck Lively II Gives Patient Foot Update at Mavericks Camp Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II, six months removed from season-ending right foot surgery, told reporters at a youth camp he is out of his walking boot but won't rush a return or set a timetable. Where...

DHJ Quick Take: Morez Johnson Jr. Sets the Tone at His Mavericks Introduction Morez Johnson Jr. met with reporters Thursday at the American Airlines Center, two days after the Dallas Mavericks made him the ninth pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The rookie forward leaned on the toughness and motor...

DHJ Quick Take: Mavericks Sharpen 2026 NBA Draft Plan Around Cooper Flagg Draft analyst Ersin Demir joined Dallas Hoops Journal to assess how the Dallas Mavericks should use the No. 9 pick, the No. 30 pick, and the second round, with fit around Cooper Flagg as the guiding principle. What...

DHJ Quick Take: Dallas Mavericks Land No. 9 The Ninth Symphony: Landing at No. 9 is more than just a number for Dallas; it’s a full-circle moment for Rolando Blackman, who was the franchise's first No. 9 pick. In a draft described by Mike Schmitz as "very deep," this slot...

DHJ Quick Take: Dallas Mavericks Hire Masai Ujiri The Six-Month Search Ends: Masai Ujiri's hiring concludes a search that began in November 2025 following the dismissal of Nico Harrison. Ujiri's arrival brings immediate stability to a franchise that finished a disappointing 26-56 in the 2025-26 season. Cleaning the Slate: Ujiri...

DHJ Quick Take: The Blueprint for Success Systematic Execution: P.J. Washington identified Sunday’s 134-point performance as the "blueprint" for the Dallas Mavericks. He credited their success to being "organized" and bringing specific defenders into the pick-and-roll to create high-value looks for Cooper Flagg and the supporting cast. Rhythm & Flow:...