Evaluating Max Christie's Value for the Dallas Mavericks
When it comes to young NBA talent, teams face a crucial decision: determining a player's worth. For those under 25, it's not just about current performance but also potential.
Max Christie of the Dallas Mavericks is a prime example. This summer, he's eligible for a four-year, $92.8 million extension, averaging $23.2 million annually.
The big question: Is he worth it?
Understanding the $20 Million Wing Market
The Mavericks can't make this decision in isolation. To gauge Christie's value, we need to compare him to similar players in the same salary range.
Jaden McDaniels, earning about $24.5 million annually, is one of the top wing defenders in the league, making his contract look like a bargain. Meanwhile, De’Andre Hunter, at $24 million per year, is being outperformed by Christie, who boasts a 42.3% shooting rate from deep compared to Hunter’s 30.5%.
Other players like Aaron Gordon, Dillon Brooks, Kyle Kuzma, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope also fall within this salary bracket. Their contracts vary in terms of value, with some paying for past achievements and others banking on future potential. The Mavericks must determine where Christie fits in this landscape.
Max Christie's Development in Dallas
Focusing on Christie, he’s played 52 games this season, starting 43, and is averaging 13.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in nearly 30 minutes per game. His shooting stats are impressive: 46.8% from the field, 42.3% from three-point range on 5.7 attempts per game, and 87.4% from the free-throw line. His effective field goal percentage is a solid 59.1%.
Christie's shooting prowess is undeniable. Over his career, he's hit 39.0% of his threes across 238 games. Since joining the Mavericks, he's averaging 12.5 points per game with a 40.3% three-point shooting rate, establishing himself as one of the league’s top young wing shooters.
Defensively, Christie stands at 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, allowing him to guard positions 1-through-3. He embodies the modern two-guard who can also play the three, making him a valuable asset in today’s NBA.
The Mavericks' Market Challenge
However, Christie has limitations. He doesn't consistently create his own offense or beat defenders off the dribble, and he's not the go-to guy in crunch time. Essentially, he's a high-level role player.
So, what's the market rate for a top-tier shooter with solid defense who doesn’t generate much offense on his own? It seems to be around $23 million per season. The Mavericks could attempt to negotiate down, but securing him at this price aligns with league standards for such players.
Christie's initial four-year, $32 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2024, averaging $8 million annually, no longer matches his upward trajectory. At 23, with increasing efficiency and a stable role, letting him go because he's not a star would be a bigger mistake than paying market value for his current and future contributions.
In conclusion, Max Christie is poised to be worth every penny of his next contract with the Mavericks.