Brief Introduction of Maxi Kleber
Maximilian “Maxi” Kleber is a German professional basketball player renowned for his versatility as a power forward and center in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Hailing from Würzburg, Germany—the same hometown as legendary player Dirk Nowitzki—Kleber has carved out a distinguished career through his potent combination of floor-spacing three-point shooting and formidable defensive presence. Initially making a name for himself in the German and Spanish professional leagues, he transitioned to the NBA in 2017, signing with the Dallas Mavericks. Over several seasons, he became a crucial role player for the Mavericks, known for his shot-blocking ability and clutch shooting. His journey reflects a path of perseverance, overcoming injuries to establish himself as a respected and effective big man in the world’s premier basketball league.
Maxi Kleber Overview
| Full Name | Maximilian Kleber |
| Date of Birth | January 29, 1992 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 33 |
| Birthplace | Würzburg, Germany |
| Profession | Professional Basketball Player |
| Husband/Wife | Not married |
| Family | Ferdi Kleber (Brother). Information about parents is not publicly available. |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Brittany Gibson |
| Net Worth | Estimated $8 million |
Early Life and Education of Maxi Kleber
Maxi Kleber was born and raised in Würzburg, Germany, a city with a rich basketball tradition, famously being the hometown of NBA icon Dirk Nowitzki. Despite the shared birthplace, Kleber’s initial inspiration for basketball came from his older brother, Ferdi. At the age of eight, he began to develop an interest in the sport by watching his brother play with friends. He and his brother would often watch NBA games together, which further fueled his passion for the game. His mother was highly supportive of his athletic pursuits, encouraging him to play basketball as a way to stay out of trouble. Kleber’s formative years were spent honing his skills in the youth systems of local clubs, including TG Veitshöchheim, SC Heuchelhof, and TG Würzburg, which laid the foundation for his professional career. Specific details about his formal education outside of his basketball development are not widely publicized.
Maxi Kleber’s Career
Maxi Kleber’s professional journey began in his hometown when he debuted for the s.Oliver Baskets (now Würzburg Baskets) in Germany’s top-tier league, the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL), during the 2011-12 season. Initially a role player, his talent and dedication saw his on-court responsibilities grow significantly. By his second season, he had become a key contributor, averaging 9.9 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. Although he declared for the 2012 NBA draft, he later withdrew his name. He became automatically eligible in 2014 but went undrafted, a temporary setback in his path to the NBA.
Following his time in Würzburg, Kleber moved to Spain for the 2014-15 season, signing with Obradoiro CAB. In the highly competitive Liga ACB, he continued to impress, averaging 11.5 points and 6.5 rebounds and was even named MVP of round 25 after a stellar performance. Despite drawing interest from NBA scouts, his plans to participate in the NBA Summer League were thwarted by untimely injuries. He returned to Germany in 2015, signing a two-year contract with one of the country’s premier clubs, Bayern Munich. During his tenure with Bayern, he solidified his reputation as a top-tier European talent, earning All-EuroCup Second Team honors and being named the German League’s Most Effective Player in 2017.
His consistent high-level performance in Europe finally paved his way to the NBA. On July 13, 2017, Kleber signed with the Dallas Mavericks, joining his hometown hero, Dirk Nowitzki. He made his NBA debut on October 21, 2017. Over his first few seasons, Kleber transformed from a bench player into a vital part of the Mavericks’ rotation. He steadily improved his statistics each year, becoming known for his defensive prowess, particularly his shot-blocking, and his ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting. He recorded a career-high 26 points against the Orlando Magic on February 21, 2020. During the 2019-20 season, he averaged a career-best 9.1 points per game and led the Mavericks in blocks. His value was recognized with a multi-year contract extension in 2019 and another three-year, $33 million extension in 2022.
Kleber was a key figure in the Mavericks’ 2022 run to the Western Conference Finals, delivering crucial shooting performances against the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns. One of his most memorable regular-season moments came on March 17, 2023, when he hit a buzzer-beating, game-winning three-pointer against the Los Angeles Lakers. After several impactful seasons in Dallas, his tenure with the team concluded, and he later joined the Los Angeles Lakers. He also represented the German national team in events like the EuroBasket qualification rounds in 2014.
Maxi Kleber Personal Life & Family
Maxi Kleber maintains a relatively private personal life. While details about his parents are not publicly disclosed, he shares a close bond with his family, particularly his older brother, Ferdi Kleber, who introduced him to basketball. His family has always been very supportive of his career ambitions. During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, he spoke about the difficulty of being separated from his family in Germany, highlighting their importance in his life. His brother has been seen attending his games, and they maintain a strong connection despite the geographical distance. As of recent reports, Maxi Kleber is in a long-term relationship with Brittany Gibson, though the couple keeps their relationship largely out of the public eye. They are not married and do not have any children. Kleber has also expressed his views on social issues, stating that he is not a very religious person but believes it is important for public figures to speak out against discrimination.
Awards and Achievements of Maxi Kleber
- All-EuroCup Second Team (2017)
- German League Most Effective Player (2017)
- All-German League Second Team (2017)
- 2× German League All-Star (2015, 2017)
- Galician Cup Champion (2014)
Maxi Kleber Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Maxi Kleber’s net worth is estimated to be around $8 million. His primary source of income is his salary from his NBA contracts. He signed an entry-level contract with the Dallas Mavericks in 2017, followed by a four-year, $35.9 million deal in 2019. In September 2022, he secured a significant three-year veteran contract extension worth $33 million, reflecting his valuable role on the team. This contract carries an average annual salary of $11 million. Throughout his NBA career, his total earnings from salaries are substantial, amounting to over $69 million through the 2025 season. Beyond his NBA earnings, Kleber has also ventured into business, holding an equity stake in the Morrisville Unity, a professional cricket team in the US Masters T10 League.
Legacy and Influence
Maxi Kleber’s legacy is that of a modern, versatile big man who successfully transitioned from European basketball to become an impactful NBA player. He is highly regarded for his strong work ethic and professional attitude. On the court, his influence is defined by his unique blend of skills: a reliable three-point shot that helps space the offense and a defensive tenacity that makes him an effective rim protector and versatile defender capable of switching onto smaller players. Teammates and coaches have praised his high basketball IQ and his commitment to doing the “dirty work”—setting hard screens, making the right defensive rotations, and playing with physicality—that contributes to winning but doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet. Often referred to as a “glue guy,” his presence has been a key component of team success, particularly during his time with the Dallas Mavericks. His journey from an undrafted German prospect to a long-tenured NBA role player serves as an inspiration for international players aspiring to make their mark in the league.
Interesting Facts about Maxi Kleber
- He shares the same hometown of Würzburg, Germany, with his former Mavericks teammate and mentor, Dirk Nowitzki.
- He was given the nickname “Wunderkind,” which means “wonder child” in English, by the Mavericks’ public address announcer.
- Despite being a German basketball player, his initial inspiration to play the sport came from his older brother, not Dirk Nowitzki.
- He is frequently mistaken for his former teammate Luka Dončić by fans on the road.
- He has a keen interest in cricket and is an investor in a professional team in a U.S.-based league.
- He is known for his charitable activities, having participated in “A Day of Giving” with teammate Dwight Powell, visiting patients at a children’s medical center.
Controversies
In the summer of 2023, a public controversy emerged between Maxi Kleber and his German national teammate, Dennis Schröder. During a podcast, Schröder criticized Kleber for not participating in the 2022 EuroBasket tournament, suggesting Kleber lacked commitment because he wanted to “work on his game.” Schröder controversially added that Kleber, as a role player, didn’t “have a game” to work on in that manner. Kleber responded with a statement clarifying that his absence was due to a significant injury he had been playing through during the prior NBA season, which required extensive rest and recovery. Feeling that the public comments made it clear he was “not unreservedly welcome,” Kleber ultimately decided to withdraw from playing for Germany in the 2023 FIBA World Cup to avoid being a distraction and to preserve team chemistry. Schröder later issued an apology for his remarks.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram (maximilian.kleber) – Publicly available profile
- Twitter – Not publicly available
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Final Words about Maxi Kleber
Maxi Kleber has firmly established himself as a respected and effective player in the NBA, embodying the ideal modern stretch-four. His career is a testament to resilience, having overcome the disappointment of going undrafted and battling through injuries to become a key contributor on a playoff-contending team. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor—with deep shooting and versatile defense—has made him an invaluable asset. As he continues his career, Kleber’s focus remains on staying healthy and contributing to team success through his high basketball IQ and selfless play. His journey from Würzburg to the pinnacle of professional basketball serves as a significant chapter in the story of German basketball, carrying on the legacy of international players who have found success in the NBA through hard work and adaptability.
