According to Fan Nation, The Dallas Mavericks received major contributions from Maxi Kleber during their run to the 2022 Western Conference Finals. He’s being rewarded for his impact in the form of a new contract to prevent him from reaching free agency next summer.
Last season, Kleber was a valuable member of the Mavericks’ run to the Western Conference Finals. In the playoffs, he averaged 8.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 18 games off the bench. He also posted shooting averages of 50.9% overall and 43.6% on three-point attempts.
The extension allows Dallas to retain one of its key defensive reserves and keep Kleber from reaching unrestricted free agency next offseason.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Mavericks and Kleber are finalizing a three-year, $33 million contract extension. He will now be signed through 2025-26.
Kleber has spent his entire NBA career with the Mavs after spending six seasons playing professionally overseas. The German signed with the team in July 2017 and established himself as a key role player primarily off the bench.
Since the start of the 2018-19, Kleber has averaged more than 20 minutes per game in each of the past four seasons.
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During the regular season, Kleber had long stretches where he struggled to shoot the ball before turning things around in the playoffs. Statistically, it was his worst season since his rookie year.
In 59 games, with 21 starts, he averaged 7.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.0 blocks. He also shot 39.8% overall and 32.5% from deep. They were his career’s worst and second worst shooting percentages.
Kleber has spent his entire NBA career—five seasons—with Dallas. He has career averages of 7.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists while shooting 44.6% overall and 35.9% on three-pointers.
Kleber was an undrafted free agent when the Mavericks signed him using an entry-level minimum in 2017. He is entering the final year of a four-year, $35.6 million contract. He will earn a base salary of $9 million during the 2022-23 season.
According to Bleacher Report, Role players like Kleber will need to play at a high level, especially with Jalen Brunson leaving to join the New York Knicks in free agency, if the Mavs are going to meet their expectations in 2022-23.
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Sources: Fan Nation, Forbes, Dallas News, Bleacher Report
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