Dallas Mavericks Prepared To Trade Key Player If Need Be

Following up on a recent report, the Dallas Mavericks might have a little trouble coming to terms on an extension with their 2nd-leading scorer Christian Wood. And if that's the case, a new report on Wednesday states that the team will look to deal the free agent-to-be by the trade deadline.

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, per @TheSteinLine

(Via https://t.co/FgwRrSC7eA) pic.twitter.com/rycIEgZ0KE

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) January 4, 2023

According to NBA Insider Marc Stein, discussions are underway, but the Mavs are expected to try to cut their losses if no deal is struck:

If the Mavericks can't come to terms with 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 Mavs are said to be interested in giving Wood a 2-year deal worth somewhere around $36M, while Wood is eligible for—and wants—a 4-year deal at $77M. 

Stein notes that the Houston Rockets, where Wood played the previous two seasons, found his trade market "limited" until the Mavericks came calling. Largely, due to his impending contract demands, no doubt. 

Christian Wood as a starter this season:

— 19.8 PPG
— 8.3 RPG
— 2.6 BPG (!!)
— 52.9 FG%
— 40.6 3P%

Mavs are 7-1 when he starts next to Luka. pic.twitter.com/E5s7rnSBWb

— StatMuse (@statmuse) January 4, 2023

Wood averages nearly 20 points per game, over eight rebounds, and 2.6 blocks as a starter, a status which he was elevated to about nine games ago.  

The pairing of Wood and Luka Doncic has certainly worked out well, so it would be best for the Mavs if they can come to some agreeable terms.

Photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports