Free agency rumors: 3 teams that could sign former Dallas Mavericks' center

The Dallas Mavericks saga with Christian Wood seems to have come to an end.

The Mavs sent a first-round pick and multiple players to the Houston Rockets for Wood, and things couldn't have gone worse. Wood never really seemed to fit on the team, and the coaching staff seemed to have it out for him. There have even been rumblings that the Mavs never wanted him in the first place.

Regardless, his one-year contract expired this summer, and he is one of the best remaining free agents on the market.

Free agency rumors: 3 teams that could sign former Dallas Mavericks' center

Although Wood won't be back with the Mavs, he will be playing somewhere. Even though Wood hasn't received any reported offers over the veteran's minimum, he still has plenty to provide for a team off the bench.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to Wood more than any other team, but Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reported that the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat are two teams that could potentially sign Wood. He could potentially carve out a good role for the Lakers, Bulls, or Heat, but teams should note that he has never played in a playoff game.

Some people associate losing culture with Wood, and that could be part of the reason that he hasn't received much interest in the open market.

Last season in Dallas, Wood averaged 16.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. Wood only started in 17 games and typically provided good scoring off the bench. Wood's offensive talent was undisputable, but his struggles on defense kept him off the floor in clutch time.

He couldn't stay in front of anyone, and his lack of defense and situational awareness forced Mavs head coach Jason Kidd to sit him more than some fans liked. His time in Dallas was puzzling, and as soon as the season was over, it was obvious that he wouldn't be back.

It would be massive if the Mavericks could work out a sign-and-trade with one of these teams for Wood, but he could end up being forced to sign for the minimum. The Bulls, Lakers, and Heat all have pieces that the Mavs could use, and avoiding losing him for nothing is ideal.

Wood is likely holding out until he gets an offer he likes, and only time will tell if a team offers him a contract over the minimum.

We'll have you covered with all the free agency news and rumors surrounding the Mavericks, so stay tuned.