Rumored Mavericks trade piece proves to Kidd why Dallas can't afford to move him

Entering Christmas Day, the Dallas Mavericks were in the midst of a two-game winning streak and looking to make it three with a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. After a slow start and a scary Luka Doncic calf strain that kept him out of the game after the second quarter, the Mavericks lost 105-99 on their home floor.

While the team rallied back from down 28 to get the game within two points with seconds left, Kyrie Irving's heroics weren't enough to carry the Mavs to a Christmas miracle comeback. Despite the loss, multiple Mavericks had great games including Klay Thompson who passed Reggie Miller for fifth in all-time made threes.

In addition to Thompson's record-breaking day, Quentin Grimes and Maxi Kleber had solid games off the bench. Grimes led all Maverick bench scorers with 10 points, but it was Kleber who stole the spotlight with his late-game performance, helping the Mavericks rally an almost improbable comeback.

Maxi Kleber shows why Mavericks shouldn't trade him away

It would be an understatement to say Kleber has had his worst season as a pro. After battling multiple injuries at the beginning of the season and falling in and out of the Mavs' rotation, he finally had a performance that will shut the doubters up, including those suggesting that Dallas should trade him.

Kleber has been in trade rumors for the last few weeks, and with him being on an expiring contract next season, the Mavs have reportedly been looking to move him ahead of the trade deadline. He hasn't been as great as expected this season, mostly due to his offensive game and confidence taking a major nosedive, but this type of performance that he had against the Timberwolves shows why he deserves a permanent spot in Jason Kidd's rotation, even after the trade deadline.

On Christmas Day, Kleber played for 23 minutes which led all bench players, and remained in the Mavericks lineup during the game's closing stages. Kleber not only played impressively on both ends of the floor, but his late-game role helped the Mavs nearly rally back from down 28 points in the fourth quarter.

On the defensive end of the floor, Kidd assigned Kleber the huge role of guarding some of Minnesota's biggest names such as Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle. Kleber not only locked down whoever he was guarding but he was often switched onto smaller players where he showcased his elite perimeter defending that fans have gotten to love throughout his career.

Kleber not only proved to fans he still has some juice left in the tank to close out games while playing heavy minutes, but he also demonstrated to Kidd that he could turn back the clock and showcase his athleticism on the defensive end. On one possession, Kleber guarded Randle in the paint where he would make it difficult for the one-time All-NBA player to get an easy bucket on his head.

Despite struggling on the offensive end heading into yesterday's game, Kleber displayed the ability to once again stretch the floor. He nailed his only 3-point attempt and helped Dallas in their comeback efforts. During the season, Kleber has been shooting a career-low 23.1 percent from behind the arc, but yesterday's performance could help turn this weakness into a strength and give him some confidence. Kidd is going to need for him to be willing to take threes off the catch whenever he is open, and Dallas will become even more dangerous if he can become an effective shooter again.

Kleber's five points may have proven to be a difference maker, but his most impressive statistic came in the plus-minus category as he led all Maverick players with +10. Kleber may not have had the most eye-popping stats in yesterday's loss but his performance didn't go unnoticed.

While Kleber has battled to remain on the floor throughout the year, he proved to Kidd and the Mavericks front office that he has what it takes to remain a pivotal piece in the Mavericks' journey back to the Finals. He still has plenty to show before he can be a trustworthy piece off the bench, but his last two performances could be the start of something special.