Rockets’ Christian Wood Drawing Trade Interest; Should Mavs Make Draft Night Bid?

HOUSTON — Nearly as good because the Dallas Mavericks have been this season — they made all of it the way in which to the Western Convention finals earlier than falling to the Golden State Warriors — roster upgrades are wanted in the event that they hope to take the following step. One of many primary areas that wants consideration is the beginning heart place. May the Mavs improve that spot by making a draft evening cope with their I-45 rivals?

Christian Wooden is essentially the most vital enigma the Houston Rockets face getting into the low season. Wooden has arguably been the Rockets’ finest participant through the untimely phases of a rebuild after averaging 19.1 factors, 10.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks throughout 109 video games.

However regardless of Wooden’s close to all-star manufacturing, Houston has solely recorded 37 wins over the earlier two seasons.

The Rockets are desperate to re-established themselves as a decent workforce behind their rising younger stars in Jalen Inexperienced and Kevin Porter Jr. However there’s a probability Wooden might not be part of Houston’s resurgence.

According to The Athletic, a number of groups have expressed curiosity in buying Wooden forward of the 2022 NBA Draft.

“It’s apparent why groups have been intrigued with Wooden up to now — he is a unicorn of an enormous man,” Kelly Iko mentioned. “Wooden is gifted sufficient to the place the Rockets can’t let him stroll with out getting belongings again if their tenure is headed for an ending.”

Wooden may nonetheless be a cornerstone piece to the Rockets’ rebuild, however basic supervisor Rafael Stone should resolve whether or not or to not decide to the versatile huge man financially.

Wooden has one season left on his present contract. Ought to Houston not lengthen or commerce their main scoring earlier than the beginning of the 2022-23 season, the Rockets will danger shedding Wooden subsequent low season throughout free company for nothing.

In idea, the Mavs wouldn’t have the very best commerce bundle to supply the Rockets for Wooden, however given the circumstances, maybe they might at the very least get their foot within the door. Would a mix of Dwight Powell, Maxi Kleber — two gamers set to be on expiring contracts subsequent season — plus a first-round decide be sufficient? That bid could be value making.

The draft will start on June 23.