Dallas Mavericks Rumors: Forward "Almost Certainly" To Leave In Summer

Once again unhappy with his minutes and being limited to a bench role has started up the rumors that Dallas Mavericks forward Christian Wood is as good as gone come the summer.

Christian Wood is not happy coming off the bench in a limited role with limited minutes. He will "almost certainly" depart from the Mavericks this Summer, per @tim_cato.

[Source: https://t.co/KDSs6B95zu] pic.twitter.com/fX2939ou0v

— Unbiased NBA Fan (@nonbiasednbafan) February 15, 2023

Per Tim Cato of The Athletic, the Mavs actually tried to trade away Wood and his expiring contract at the trade deadline, along with Tim Hardaway Jr., "but the league had limited interest in both players." 

Wood was eligible for a 4-year extension in-season, but Dallas wasn't enthralled with giving him a deal of that length, and reportedly came in with a 2-year offer. Wood wasn't interested. 

Cato writes that, as a result of that, and his frustration at his limited role, Wood "will almost certainly depart this summer."

Wood is averaging 17.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 38% shooting from distance, but the 6'10" forward "often doesn’t cover enough space defensively to warrant the coaching staff’s trust," according to Cato. 

If Kyrie Irving bails as well this summer, the Mavs will have a lot of offense to replace. 

Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports