The 2021-22 NBA season looks like it is going to be another long one for the Houston Rockets. They have started the season off 1-5 and there doesn’t look like there will be many wins in their future. But, that is very well what the organization was bracing for.
It was not too long ago that the Rockets were contending for the NBA Championship with Mike D’Antoni leading the way. Now, there are only two players, Eric Gordon and Danuel House Jr., that remain on the roster from his tenure as head coach.
The Rockets made it clear that they were heading into a new era when they unloaded James Harden last season in the four-team blockbuster that landed him with the Brooklyn Nets. They doubled down on that in the 2021 NBA Draft when all four first-round picks they made were teenagers.
Houston is a long way from contending, which is why veterans such as Gordon and House could be on the move this season via trade. Could the same fate be in the future for Christian Wood? Over at Bleacher Report, they think there is a chance, as Wood landed on their list of potential surprising trade candidates.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Should Houston Rockets Consider Trade Including Christian Wood?
The 26-year old Wood isn’t old by any means. He is only nearing his prime and has proven to be an excellent player. But, the value could be too good to pass up from Houston’s perspective.
Wood is having another productive start to the season for the Rockets. He is averaging 19.2 points and 11.5 rebounds, knocking down 40.6 percent of his 3-point attempts. Wood provides solid defense from the center spot and is versatile enough he can play power forward as well.
It would be tough for the Rockets to trade Wood, but it may be best for the long-term outlook of the franchise. Wood will be a free agent when he is 28-years old, but the Rockets may not be in a position to contend yet.
There is also the possibility that Wood will find greener pastures elsewhere. He could be tired of losing, which the Rockets will likely be doing the remainder of his contract and find a new team to play with in free agency?
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Should Houston Rockets Consider Trade Including Christian Wood?
That is a worst-case scenario for Houston. With his value being as high as it is right now, they may be better off cashing in and compiling more future assets than having him produce what equates to empty stats for a losing team.
Several playoff contenders have some combination of young players and draft picks they could send Houston’s way in a package for Wood, who is also on one of the biggest bargain contracts currently in the NBA.
