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

The Dallas Mavericks made significant roster upgrades this offseason. From bringing back Kyrie Irving to adding Grant Williams and drafting Dereck Lively and Olivier Maxence-Prosper, the front office found a way to improve their talent and depth around Luka Doncic, but they may not be done. Christian Wood remains a free agent, and Dallas is eager to make more moves.

Wood’s value plummeted with the Mavericks as he struggled to impact winning. He will not return to Dallas, but the team has not ruled out a sign-and-trade (subscription required). The Mavs are already hard-capped after the Grant Williams deal, and Marc Stein makes it clear that they will only trade Wood if they can upgrade their roster.

What could Dallas get? Multiple teams are still searching for center upgrades, and C-Wood is no stranger to putting up numbers. Are there realistic trades out there? Sign-and-trades are always difficult to make because of the rules, but there are deals out there.

Christian Wood sign-and-trades that would benefit the Dallas Mavericks

4. Cavs get backup big man upgrade

The Cavaliers are already hard-capped after the Max Strus sign-and-trade, so both teams are limited to spending $172 million on their roster this season. That forces Christian Wood to take a three-year deal worth $25.2 million, which is well above the minimum, but significantly below the $41 million he earned over the last three seasons.

Does he want to go to Cleveland to play behind Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley? The Cavaliers also signed George Niang, so the frontcourt has plenty of options. It is a chance for Wood to join a contender, and he could get his first NBA playoff experience if this deal goes down.

Dean Wade is not the perfect fit in Dallas, but he gives the Mavericks size, floor spacing, and someone comfortable operating without the ball in his hands. He could play a 20-minute-per-game role behind Grant Williams and Maxi Kleber, and Wade provides some versatility and flexibility to the Mavs roster.

If the Cavaliers are interested in Christian Wood, this gives the Dallas Mavericks a chance to add another capable role player for someone that they have zero plans of bringing back.

3. Wizards upgrade roster despite rebuilding

The Washington Wizards have already traded Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis as they enter a rebuild. Despite those moves, lead decision-maker Michael Winger has not been shy in finding pieces that can help them now. From re-signing Kyle Kuzma to acquiring Jordan Poole, the Wizards have added talent to keep them from completely bottoming out.

Could Washington make another move to add to their roster? They have Kuzma and Daniel Gafford in the frontcourt, but trading for Christian Wood could improve the team's revenue and make them a bit more competitive. That is why they pull off this trade.

It costs them Mike Muscala, who was just acquired in the KP trade, and a 2023 second-round draft pick. The Wizards are hoping to be in contention in seven years, which could make that selection in the 50s. It is a small price to pay for a center coming off a season where he averaged 16.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game.

This deal nets Dallas a third second-round pick to offer in trades and a 6’10 big man that can space the floor. Consider Muscala the Davis Bertans replacement, but he makes $13.5 million less next season. This is a win for the Dallas Mavericks, but they will hold out for a better deal.

2. Mavericks get starting center, Clippers add capital

The Mavs drafted Dereck Lively II, traded for Richaun Holmes, and re-signed Dwight Powell, but they have yet to solve their center issues. They entered the offseason wanting a rebounding and rim protection upgrade.

Lively II is not ready to be starting center in the NBA. He has immense potential but is years away from reaching his prime. Holmes has been up and down in recent years and was out of the Kings' rotation last season. Dallas has three options best suited as backups, so could they still trade for a starter?

Zubac was rumored to be available before free agency opened, and the Clippers are still in flux. James Harden wants to come to LA, which could dramatically shake up their roster. Could Dallas swoop in and grab Zubac during the shuffle.

The Clippers re-signed Mason Plumlee, and they are reportedly comfortable with him starting at the five. Could they land Christian Wood as an offensive-minded option and McGee as a third-stringer? The two second-round picks give LA more capital to make further moves.

The Dallas Mavericks land a strong starting center that will rebound and control the paint. Amir Coffey is a 6’7 wing with shooting upside. This deal gives Dallas a significant boost at the five, but they would have to convince the Clippers to take Christian Wood.

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.