DALLAS — Dallas Mavericks coach Dusty May backed Max Christie through the guard’s shooting slump to start the season, speaking with reporters before Monday’s game. Christie is shooting 32.8% from the field and 26.2% from 3-point range through 10 games.
He is averaging 5.5 points in 19.6 minutes and has started 7 of those games. Last season, Christie averaged 12.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2 assists while shooting 44.1% from the field and 40.4% from 3.
Max Christie’s Contract And Path To Dallas
Dallas acquired Christie from the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025 as part of the trade that sent Luka Dončić to Los Angeles. He is in the third season of the four-year, $32 million contract he signed with the Lakers in July 2024.
Christie is earning $8.3 million this season. His deal includes an $8.9 million player option for 2027-28.
Dusty May On Christie’s Shooting Start
Christie played 4 minutes and 50 seconds in Monday’s 125-122 win over the Indiana Pacers. He did not attempt a shot and finished with 2 rebounds.
“We haven’t lost any faith in Max,” May said. “I think he’s had a little bit of bad luck this year where he’s defending at a high level and guys have made hard shots. [He] just [needs to] continue to play with confidence to get back to where he’s not over-thinking, and just let the game come to him and play.”
“He brings a lot of things to this team,” May continued. “We just have a whole lot of really good players and some other guys are playing a little bit better at this moment.”
Walter Clayton Jr., who is on a two-way contract, is shooting 43.3% from 3-point range in 10 games off the bench. Marcus Sasser is shooting 37.5% from 3 in 9 games.
Dallas is 7-4 after winning three straight. The Mavericks visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, with tip-off at 7 p.m. CT.
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