OFFICIAL: Mavs, Thunder Complete Trade; Dereck Lively II Prepares for Summer League
Coming into this year’s NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks had to decide whether to select a prospect with the 10th pick or potentially trade it. Ultimately, the Mavs went with the latter option, as they traded back to the 12th pick with the Oklahoma City Thunder to select talented Duke big man Dereck Lively II.
Although that trade was an agreement that happened on draft night, it didn’t become official until Thursday, as Mavs PR finally made the announcement.
As part of the trade with the Thunder, the Mavs sent Davis Bertans along with the No. 10 pick in exchange for the No. 12 pick. So, not only did the Mavs get the guy they wanted, but they also shed an unattractive salary off their books to gain the full midlevel exception in free agency, as well as a $17 million trade exception – one they are reportedly looking to use sooner than later.
Lively, who has drawn comparisons to former Maverick great Tyson Chandler, could have a chance to be the best center Dallas has had since that time.
Lively spoke with Bally Sports at the NBA Draft's media availability and dished on how his visit and private workout went with the Mavs, as well as how he sees himself potentially fitting in with star guards Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
"I love Dallas," Lively said. "I feel like whenever I worked out for Dallas, it was a great environment, it was a great overall community. They were welcoming, and I feel like they loved my energy. Loved what I brought to the table, loved my enthusiasm, loved my energy, loved my hard-working ability. I know I showed that."
Lively is 7-foot-1, has a 7-foot-7 wingspan and a 9-foot-4 standing reach. He is a capable and willing to set screens, he can play defense inside or on the perimeter if needed, and he can do something that Chandler couldn't do – stretch the floor by shooting 3s.
"I could definitely be a great screen setter, rim protector, and doing whatever I can to get them open and they can make the reads that they want," Lively said when asked about he sees his fit with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
"Luka and Kyrie get the ball, I'm gonna set the screen. And if I'm gonna roll or gonna pop, I know the defenders are thinking about me and a lob and also thinking about Kyrie or Luka getting the ball to the basket ... It's going to open up, for me, so many options."
Lively proved himself to the Mavs during his pre-draft process, and now he'll have a chance to prove it to Doncic and Irving too. He’ll have a great opportunity to impress his new teammates in Las Vegas as he prepares to suit up for the Mavs’ Summer League squad this weekend.
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