The Dallas Mavericks are already making moves to improve their roster for the 2022-23 NBA season. According to multiple reports, the Mavs have an agreement with the Houston Rockets for center/forward Christian Wood.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports that the Mavs have given up center Boban Marjanovic, 2016’s eighth overall pick Marquese Chriss, veteran guard Trey Burke, and small forward Sterling Brown in order to get Wood. The Rockets are also set to receive the No. 26 selection in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Wood has been one of the top performers for the rebuilding Rockets since he joined the franchise on a sign-and-trade three-year, $41-million contract in 2020. He played in 68 games this past season and finished the campaign with 17.9 points per game. He also had career-high averages in rebounds (10.1) and assists (2.3).
Despite Wood’s production, Houston didn’t really have a reason to keep him around. They are still a long way from contending and will be better off giving his minutes to some of their younger players. By trading the 26-year-old, they now have the opportunity to add more talent while also getting cap relief since all four players they got back are on expiring contracts.
On the other hand, you can’t argue with the Mavs’ decision to pull the trigger on such a deal. They immediately get better while also receiving some roster flexibility. Losing an important locker room piece in Marjanovic will probably sting, but they are hoping the positives Wood will bring on the court will outweigh the negatives.
