Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II is expected to be out for two to three months after sustaining a small fracture in his foot, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.

The Mavericks have been looking for upgrades, particularly in the name of wing depth, on their quest for a second straight NBA Finals appearance.

Center Daniel Gafford has been mentioned as a player the Mavericks have been willing to dangle in trade talks, potentially with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the untimely injury to Lively might make Dallas’ backup center less expendable.

Lively’s injury is a tough blow for a Mavs team that has been among the best rim-protecting teams in the league.

It’ll put more of a burden on Gafford’s shoulders, though Mavs fans may find some solace in knowing that he’s the only player who allows his opponents to shoot less than 50% within six feet of the basket while suiting up in a minimum of 20 games and defending no less than five such attempts per contest.

Some of that can be attributed to Lively handling the starting duties and Gafford largely going up against second units, but that number is nonetheless impressive and shouldn’t be undervalued in trade discussions of any sort.

Lively may be considered untouchable by some, but with Dallas’ championship window not infinitely open, this injury could open the door for the Mavs to go big and trade the 20-year-old big for a superstar who can help them win now.

If things go south in Phoenix, the Suns might decide to part ways with Kevin Durant in a wild scenario that could make sense for Dallas.

With that said, Gafford and Lively could still be rocking Dallas across their chest past the Feb. 6 trade deadline.