The Dallas Mavericks are rolling as they are currently the hottest team in the NBA. Dallas has won seven straight games, catapulting up the standings in a congested Western Conference as they are now only 2.5 games out of first place after nearly being outside of the NBA Play-In Tournament just over two weeks ago.
One of the biggest reasons that the team has found its groove has been a lineup change by head coach Jason Kidd. After coming off the bench in 25 out of the first 26 games he played, Christian Wood was inserted into the starting lineup for the last nine games and things have taken off.
It took two games to adjust to the change, as the Mavericks lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers by one point and Minnesota Timberwolves by 10 before ripping off the seven-game winning streak. During that stretch, Wood has been magnificent.
In 10 games as a starter, Wood is averaging 19.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.6 blocks per game. Wood has always been a great contributor offensively, but it is his improvements on the defensive end of the court are a big reason that the team has found its footing.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Christian Wood & Dallas Mavericks Updates
With Wood capable of anchoring the defense, the team is benefitting from all of the positives he brings offensively. He is the unquestioned No. 2 option on the offense, helping take pressure off of Luka Doncic.
Alas, the Mavericks are going to have a difficult decision to make in the coming weeks. Wood is eligible for a contract extension and if no deal is agreed to, he will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer. This is nearly the identical situation that the Mavericks were in last season with Jalen Brunson and it is one that they are not looking to repeat according to Marc Stein on his Substack.
“If the Mavericks can’t come to terms with Christian Wood on a new contract, they are widely expected to explore the trade market for him before the league’s Feb. 9 trade deadline to prevent exposing themselves to the loss of another productive player without compensation on the heels of Jalen Brunson’s free-agent departure to New York. The Rockets, though, found that market limited until Dallas’ interest emerged before the draft.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Christian Wood & Dallas Mavericks Updates
On an expiring deal and proving that he can help a competitive team win games, Wood’s market could be stronger now than it was in the offseason when the Mavericks acquired him. They still had to fork over a first-round pick in the deal, but Dallas would likely be looking for more than that.
Trading away a player that has become a key piece of their starting lineup would be a hard sell. They would be looking for a player that could offer a similar impact in return, which could be a tall task to accomplish.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Christian Wood & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Working out an extension with Wood is what the Mavericks should be pushing as it puts them in the best position to succeed this season and keeps a key piece around long-term. However, Wood could be pricing himself out of what the Mavericks can offer with his high level of play.
