Mavericks big man Maxi Kleber suffered a broken right foot in Saturday’s loss to Boston, sources tell Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link). The team confirmed the news (via Twitter), adding that Kleber will be reevaluated later this week.
Kleber was injured late in the third quarter when he fell to the ground while backing up after a missed shot by Jaylen Brown, according to The Dallas Morning News (video link). He continued playing defense after the Celtics got the rebound, but began limping when he tried to contest a shot by Derrick White (video link).
Kleber hopped around on one leg before leaving the game during a stoppage in play. The team announced that he had been ruled out with what was originally believed to be an ankle injury.
Kleber had been playing on a restriction of 20 minutes per game after dealing with an oblique issue in early January. He has been considered one of Dallas’ top trade candidates due to his $11MM cap hit, but suffering a serious injury so close to the deadline will hurt his value. He’s under contract for $11MM again next season before becoming a free agent in 2026.
Kleber has been a valuable contributor mostly in a reserve role throughout his eight years in Dallas. He has appeared in 34 games this season and was averaging 3.1 points and 2.8 rebounds in 19.0 minutes per night coming into today.
The timing of the injury is devastating for the Mavericks, who are already missing Dereck Lively and Dwight Powell from their big man rotation. The team announced Wednesday that Lively suffered a stress fracture in his right ankle and will be reevaluated in four weeks. Powell is dealing with a strained right hip that has kept him out of action since January 17.
“It’s a hole. It’s tough,” coach Jason Kidd told reporters after the game (Twitter video link from Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News). “I’ve never seen anything like it, and it’s not gonna get any better.”
Dang, the Mavs are kinda screwed in the frontcourt. I don’t know how they will be able to overcome all these injuries. Keep Gafford until the offseason, tank, and then regroup for next year. Luka tanked for a draft pick two years ago, and they came back and made the finals the following year.
Marcus Morris will save us lol
Maxi will still be traded. Maybe to heat as they want cap room for 2026 and his contract expires after next season. He will be packaged with hardy or grimes
No way we get Butler. Wouldn’t make sense on so many levels. IMO. You are better off riding this team out and pray everyone can get healthy and in rhythm in time for the playoffs
Yea wooowe ….. might not be their year.