Trade Idea Between Dallas Mavericks and LA Clippers Proposed

In this story:
The LA Clippers are always active at the NBA trade deadline, but they have also never been this dominant past the midway mark of a season. With a set rotation, the Clippers have been the best team in basketball since December 1st, going 26-5 since that date.
Without any glaring holes in their roster, the Clippers could certainly justify a quiet trade deadline that doesn't shake up what is currently the best team in basketball. That said, several reports have indicated LA's potential interest in a floor-spacing big who can alternate between a power forward and small-ball center in different lineup combinations.
There are several players who fit this description, and in a recent article from Dan Favale of Bleacher Report, Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber was named as an option for the Clippers. This is a hypothetical proposal from Favale, as opposed to sourced reporting on any interest from the Clippers, but Kleber's prototype is what multiple reports have indicated LA might be interested in.
At 6'10", Kleber is a stretch-big who takes over half of his field goals from beyond the arc. Shooting 37.1% from deep this season, and 46.4% on wide open threes, Kleber is certainly a threat from distance. That said, depending on the price from Dallas, this may not be the type of move the Clippers are looking to make.
Kleber is under contract through 2026, and is owed $11M each of the next two seasons. Maintaining as much financial flexibility as possible is crucial for a Clippers team that is already operating with very little breathing room, so committing to Kleber for two more seasons may be a non-starter already.
As for his fit on this Clippers team, Kleber could certainly help as a floor-spacing big off the bench, but the upgrade he would be over any of LA's current rotation players is marginal at most. This makes Kleber a hard sell for the Clippers, especially with his contract length and injury concerns.
Related Articles
Philadelphia 76ers Star Reveals Honest Feelings on James Harden
Exclusive: Russell Westbrook Opens Up About Role With Clippers
James Harden Opens Up About Playing for Clippers After Rough Few Years

Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA and WNBA for On SI. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined On SI to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts and in the classroom earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time, primarily serving as a Clippers beat writer.
Follow joeylinn_