Former NBA Exec Speaks On Mavericks’ Christian Wood Trade

Christian Wood, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, NBA Trade Rumors
NBA Analysis Network

The Dallas Mavericks entered the NBA offseason with the understanding that an upgrade at the center position. They wasted no time in doing so by agreeing to a trade with the Houston Rockets to acquire Christian Wood.

In exchange for Wood, the Mavericks will send the Rockets the 26th overall pick along with Boban Marjanovic, Sterling Brown, Trey Burke, and Marquese Chriss.

Wood is coming off a 2021-22 season with averages of 17.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. He shot 50.1 percent from the floor and 39.0 percent from beyond the arc. He spent two seasons with the Rockets after signing with the team in 2020, leading to a breakout season in 2020-21.

The initial relationship between Wood and the Rockets began with the intent of competing for a championship before the James Harden era came to an end. Houston has been rebuilding since and now will be returning to a competitive situation.

LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: NBA Trade Grades: Who Won Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets Christian Wood Swap?

According to a former executive that spoke to NBA Analysis Network, the Mavericks’ trade for Wood looks like a savvy move from their front office.

“Dallas traded four players they don’t give minutes to and a late first for a stretch-five with a lot to his game. His effort level has been a concern at times but playing for a contender in a contract year should fix that. The bar is high for him on the Mavericks with them coming off a Western Conference Finals appearance. If it doesn’t work out, that’ll be something front offices take into account.”

LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: NBA Trade Grades: Who Won Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets Christian Wood Swap?

A frequent problem the Mavericks faced in the playoffs was the limitations their half-court offense faced with Dwight Powell on the floor. His minutes were low often, but there were times when the defense would load up by playing off him. That won’t happen with Wood.

“Wood can make step-back 3s, come off flares, and can do really everything as a ball screener between pops and catch lobs. All of that will be maximized with Doncic’s passing and the attention he draws. The Mavericks needed another iso scorer against the Warriors in the Conference Finals and Wood checks that box. If Brunson decides to re-sign, Dallas will have 2-3 threats to attack off the bounce at all times while having a shooter at every position. Good luck guarding that…”

The impact that Wood provides will add a few dimensions to the Mavericks’ offense. With a superstar in Doncic and some guards that can get into the paint like Jalen Brunson and Spencer Dinwiddie, there’s a lot to like about their ceiling after making this trade.

There are some risks with the Dallas Mavericks’ trade for Christian Wood, but it’s clear; that there’s a lot of optimism for how he’ll fit with Luka Doncic, and the stakes should be too high for him to not be fully locked in defensively.

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