4 Realistic Christian Wood sign-and-trades that would benefit the Mavericks

1. Lakers get Christian Wood for wing

The Los Angeles Lakers are the one team consistently rumored to be interested in Wood. They need a backup big man behind Anthony Davis. The Lakers signed Jaxson Hayes, but there is no guarantee that he can handle a significant role, especially if AD misses time.

Christian Wood gives Los Angeles another floor spacer and offensive weapon for LeBron James to maximize and someone that can score 20 points per game if the Lakers' two stars are out. Sign-and-trade contracts have to be for at least three years. Would they sign C-Wood long-term?

Jarred Vanderbilt fell out of the Lakers playoff rotation in the final game against the Nuggets, but it is difficult to find a trade for his $4.7 million salary. Could the Mavs steal him away for Christian Wood and a couple of second-round picks? The Lakers will ask for the Mavericks first in 2027, but Dallas will not budge because Dallas cannot protect the pick.

Vanderbilt is a below-average shooter, but the 6’9 forward can defend multiple positions and rebounds well. That fits in Dallas around Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The superstars will create the offense, and Vanderbilt can focus on his strengths.

Will the Dallas Mavericks find a sign-and-trade partner for Christian Wood? They will keep looking but do not expect them to rush into a deal. It has to make sense, so stay tuned.