Dallas Mavericks 2022 NBA Draft grades: 2 trades and select Jaden Hardy

Dallas Mavericks make 3-team trade to acquire Christian Wood

Dwight Powell started all 18 postseason games at center for the Mavs in their run to the Western Conference Finals, but he averaged just 13.8 minutes per game. Dallas had success going small with Maxi Kleber spacing the floor at the five, but foul trouble and injury risk prevented head coach Jason Kidd from going all-in and playing him 35-plus minutes every game.

The Mavericks needed another center that could play significant minutes in the postseason, so they took a swing on Christian Wood. Fans can see the particulars of this deal below.

The Rockets moved back from the 26th overall pick to 29 and picked up two additional second-round draft choices.

Houston was motivated to move Wood because they selected Jabari Smith Jr. with the third pick in the 2022 draft and Alperen Sengun, a 2021 first-round pick, needed more playing time. The rebuilding Rockets moved on from the 26-year-old to open up significant minutes for their young talent.

Nothing changed for the Mavericks on draft night in this deal, and Nico Harrison knocked this one out of the park.

Dallas Mavericks 2022 NBA Draft grade for Christian Wood trade: A-minus

The Mavs acquired a skill offensive center capable of spacing the floor while scoring 17-plus per game and opened up three roster spots for a late first-round pick in a brilliant move by the front office. Dallas has a new starter in the middle and room to make additional upgrades this summer.

Nico Harrison and the Dallas Mavericks front office pulled off another excellent trade that earns them an A-minus grade.