NBA Rumors: Dallas Mavericks Free Agent Won't Be Returning To Big D

The Dallas Mavericks had an immensely disappointing finish to the season. A collapse from 4th in the Western Conference at the trade deadline, to 11th and out of the playoffs post-Kyrie Irving trade. 

Mavericks beat writer Tim Cato of The Athletic wrote about the team's offseason plans, which include adding players "who can defend and rebound." 

(Christian) Wood, team sources say, is, unsurprisingly, not expected to be back.

Christian Wood is not expected to return to the Mavericks, per @tim_cato

(Via https://t.co/84U48KNGtT) pic.twitter.com/nZMiL2SaGn

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) May 1, 2023

Wood is an unrestricted free agent, and with the way he was used down the stretch (i.e. sparingly), the Mavs made it clear what their interest is in him moving forward. They had a chance to sign him to an extension during the season, but there was scant interest on either side. Now, after being far less of a factor than he had been in his previous NBA stops, it's highly unlikely Wood would want to return, even if the Mavs wanted him (they don't). 

Although he averaged just 16.6 points and 7.3 rebounds this season, he played about five minutes a game less than he's accustomed to. In the past, he's proven to be a solid offensive player in this league, who can score at anywhere up to a 20 PPG pace, and rebound at close to 10 boards per game (he accomplished both feats during his two-year run with the Houston Rockets before coming cross-state to Dallas). 

The 27-year-old stands to land a far more productive role elsewhere in free agency this summer. 

Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports