Ranking Dallas Mavericks contracts from bargain to nightmare

3. Maxi Kleber

After the Dallas Mavericks' 2022 NBA Playoffs run, they decided to give forward Maxi Kleber a three-year, $33 million contract extension. Kleber was massive for Dallas in the playoffs, as he averaged 8.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 50.9 percent from the field and 43.6 percent from downtown.

Kleber hit timely shots, was great on defense, and was one of the Mavs' x-factors off the bench in this playoff run. He was indubitably worth the money that Dallas paid him at the time, but there have been clear signs of regression for Kleber over the last two seasons.

Last season, Kleber tore his hamstring and never came back the same. Even at the beginning of this season, Kleber did not look like the same player and had no desire to protect the rim. Kleber then missed significant time with a dislocated toe, but his play has been better lately.

Kleber is the type of player whose impact doesn't appear on the stat sheet because he does all of the little things, but having a 32-year-old under contract for two more seasons after this one when he is regressing is not ideal.

Kleber or Tim Hardaway Jr.'s contract would likely be used if the Mavs needed to salary match in a trade this summer, but don't expect him to have much value on the open market if the Mavs do go that route.