Dallas Mavericks reach long-term deal with versatile big man Maxi Kleber

Dallas Mavericks Maxi Kleber (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks Maxi Kleber (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

Dallas Mavericks big man Maxi Kleber agreed to a long-term with the Mavs ending his restricted free agency on July 1. See the latest here.

The Dallas Mavericks are bringing back another important role player in Maxi Kleber on a long-term deal. Marc Stein reports the two sides have agreed to a four-year $35 million contract with a team option for the final season.

The deal should not be a surprise. Kleber was a restricted free agent. It always appeared that the Mavericks would bring back the skilled big man, though. He is 27 years old and can play the four or the five. Kleber proved he can both stretch the floor and protect the rim last season. He could be a Kristaps Porzingis light in the coming season.

It will be interesting to watch Kleber’s 3-point shooting next year. He made 35.3 percent of his 218 attempts last season. As a rookie, Kleber sank just 31.3 percent of his 128 tries. He made improvements, but it is worth monitoring if Kleber can be an above league average 3-pointer again in 2019-2020.

The Mavs have done well retaining their free agents this summer. They have reached long-term deals with Porzingis, Dwight Powell, and now Maxi Kleber.

Dallas still has Dorian Finney-Smith in restricted free agency. The Mavericks also have to make decisions on veterans J.J. Barea, Devin Harris, Salah Mejri, and Trey Burke. Expect the front office to be interested in bringing back some of those players.

The Mavericks will remain active trying to improve their roster too. Signing Seth Curry makes them a dangerous offensive team. The Mavs still need a few more pieces to be a serious Western Conference playoff threat next season, though. They have the cap space by finding the players may prove difficult after the flurry of signings on June 30.

Dallas Mavericks supporters need to stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest analysis, opinions, and news of the team’s 2019 free agency.

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