Dallas Mavericks acquire Christian Wood from Rockets for 4 players and 1st round pick

The Dallas Mavericks pulled off a surprising trade on June 15 as they acquired Rockets big man Christian Wood. Dallas needed a center and took a chance at acquiring a talented one that is entering the final year of his contract and set to make $14.3 million next season.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the Mavericks sent Boban Marjanovic, Trey Burke, Marquese Chriss, Sterling Brown, and the 26th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft to Houston to land Wood. Dallas needed to clear some room to add in free agency, so dealing four players for one gives them 11 players under contact hearing into the summer.

It was sad to see Boban traded away, but the Mavericks potentially hit another home run by acquiring Wood. Here is a quick look at why he could play his best basketball in Dallas.

Dallas Mavericks acquire Christian Wood from Rockets for 4 players and 1st round pick

Wood averaged 17.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.0 block in 30.8 minutes per game during the 2021-2022 season while shooting 50.8 percent from the field and 39.0 percent from 3-point range. He checks all the boxes the Mavericks were searching for in a center. He can rebound, protect the rim, and space the floor. His effort level on the defense must improve, but Wood could be the perfect fit in Dallas playing off Luka Doncic.

Acquiring Christian Wood came out of nowhere. General manager and president of basketball operations Nico Harrison made it clear that Mavericks were listening on their first-round pick, but nobody expected the trade to come a full week before the draft. Dallas cannot technically make this deal until after draft night because of the Stepien Rule, but Christian Wood will be coming to Dallas.

The Dallas Mavericks are far from done this offseason. They want to re-sign Jalen Brunson and add a few pieces in free agency. Expect Harrison and the front office to continue working quickly as they look to take another step forward next season. Stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest.