Dereck Lively created a milestone for the Dallas Mavericks by securing a $22 million deal. Lively, accompanied by his mother, expressed his gratitude for her support and the comfort of living together while being an NBA player. Despite suffering a nasal fracture, Lively attended the Mavericks’ game against the Washington Wizards and emphasized the benefits of having his mother around, including home-cooked meals and assistance with laundry. Their close bond stems from a difficult past, with Lively’s father passing away from an overdose and his mother battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma for eight years. Since being drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 2023, Lively has quickly made an impact, earning recognition as an ACC All-Defensive team member and securing a spot in the NBA Rising Stars Game. At just 20 years old, he has showcased impressive skills, averaging 9.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. With the guidance of his teammates, including a standout performer in his own right, Lively’s NBA journey is set to be celebrated for years to come.
According to the Source firstsportz.com