Veteran forward Maxi Kleber's NBA journey faces an uncertain turn as he remains unsigned following the expiration of his contract. Acquired by the Los Angeles Lakers in a historic trade that brought superstar Luka Doncic to the team, Kleber's path diverge from the initial expectations. Despite his valuable contributions in the past, a return to European basketball is now a distinct possibility, signaling a potentially quiet departure from the league's grand stage after being part of such a pivotal moment.
Kleber, who concluded his three-year, $33 million extension after the 2025-26 season, has been a free agent since July 13. Reports indicate that the 34-year-old is actively considering a move back to Europe, with the EuroLeague market being a primary focus. This potential shift would mark a notable end to his tenure in the NBA, particularly given his involvement in one of the most impactful trades in recent memory.
His acquisition by the Lakers on February 2, 2025, alongside Doncic and Markieff Morris from the Dallas Mavericks, was part of a complex three-team deal involving the Utah Jazz. While Doncic was undeniably the centerpiece of this exchange, Kleber played a crucial role in facilitating the trade due to his contract, which provided necessary salary relief for Dallas. Furthermore, he offered Los Angeles an experienced frontcourt player already familiar with Doncic's playing style, having spent his entire NBA career with the Mavericks, including their run to the 2024 NBA Finals.
Historically, Kleber brought essential skills to the court when paired with Doncic: effective floor spacing, defensive versatility across multiple frontcourt positions, and a knack for playing effectively off the ball. He boasts a career 3-point shooting percentage of 35.2%, averaging 6.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks over 483 regular-season appearances. However, his time with the Lakers did not unfold as anticipated. He was recovering from foot surgery when the trade occurred and made his debut only in Game 5 of the Lakers' first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. In the subsequent season, he played a limited role, averaging 2.0 points and 2.0 rebounds while shooting 45.2% from the field, failing to deliver the anticipated on-court value.
The Lakers' evolving frontcourt strategy has further complicated Kleber's situation. The team has prioritized adding size and shooting around Doncic, effectively reducing the need for Kleber, even on a veteran-minimum contract. His decline in outside shooting, with only 23.1% from beyond the arc during the 2025-26 season, and fluctuating availability, led to inconsistent minutes in JJ Redick's rotation. While his defensive awareness and rebounding still offered occasional value, his diminished offensive contribution made it challenging to justify a consistent role.
Although a team in need of an experienced reserve big might still consider Kleber later in the offseason or during training camp, his familiarity with playoff basketball, defensive adaptability, and willingness to embrace a limited role could appeal to contenders seeking cost-effective depth. Nevertheless, a return to Europe, where he previously played for clubs like Bayern Munich before joining Dallas in 2017, appears to be a more viable option. Such a move could offer him a more prominent role than he is likely to secure in the NBA.
While Luka Doncic has become the cornerstone of the Lakers' future, Maxi Kleber, despite arriving in the same transaction, now seems poised to continue his professional basketball career in a different setting. This marks a poignant moment for a player who was once an integral, albeit understated, component of a landscape-altering trade.
