Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal 

Let’s start with the basketball reasons the Knicks would do this deal. They have good ones. 

As constructed, the Knicks do not have a stretch big man. Wood is one of the best shooting bigs in the NBA. Pairing him with Julius Randle in the frontcourt would give the Knicks perhaps the most potent offense they’d have in 2022-23. 

Meanwhile, the Knicks don’t need to worry about Wood’s possibly volatile personality if Rose is truly unhappy. What’s the worst Wood could do – be unhappy? 

If he is, he’s on an expiring contract anyway. By contrast, Rose has a year remaining on his deal after this one.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Christian Wood, Dallas Mavericks & New York Knicks Updates

If Wood works out, that’s great, but even if he doesn’t, this deal gives the Knicks some cap relief soon. 

What does it do for the Mavericks?