By Alex Al-Kazzaz
The Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks have agreed on a trade that will send power forward/center Christian Wood up I-45 to the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. The Mavericks will send the 26th pick of the 2022 NBA draft to the Rockets. Houston will also receive a package of players including Boban Marjanovic.
Wood, 26, averaged 18 points and a career-high of 10 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. He also started a career-high 67 games. The 2022-23 season is the final year of his current contract. He is due to earn a little over $14 million next season.
The Mavericks came into the off-season needing to address an issue involving the position of center. With Wood in the starting lineup, the Mavericks ought to do well. This move should help improve the offense's pace and rhythm. Most importantly, it should help build confidence.
Dallas shocked the world by managing to make it to the Western Conference Finals. The Mavericks are looking to fulfill their destiny and start a dynasty. Their surprising and brilliant run is only the first step, but the Mavericks have a lot to do to keep the momentum alive.
Overall, the Mavs need to focus on building around their franchise player, Luka Doncic. If they want to challenge for the NBA title, they need a complete and well-built team.