Rumors: Dallas Mavericks interested in center upgrade

The Dallas Mavericks signed JaVale McGee and traded for Christian Wood this offseason to upgrade their center spot. Dwight Powell started during last season’s run to the conference finals, but he was limited to 15 minutes per game with Maxi Kleber playing in crunch time. Dallas struggled on the glass and to protect the rim, but their five-out offense lifted them to the NBA’s final four for just the fifth time in franchise history.

McGee was signed to be the team’s starting center, but he struggled out of the gate and has completely fallen out of the rotation. The Mavs are back to starting Dwight Powell, and they prefer to play Wood next to Maxi Kleber in the frontcourt to cover for his defensive shortcomings. The rebounding and rim protection woes remain, despite the offseason additions.

HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto dropped all the latest rumors on Dec. 6, and he had an interesting note about the Mavs in his piece. Here is a look at the latest.

Rumors: Dallas Mavericks interested in center upgrade

Scotto notes the Mavs have shown interest in a center if he is an upgrade defensively and brings something different than Christian Wood. Dallas was hoping that is what they added with the McGee signing, and they could take a second bite at the apple before February's trade deadline.

It is also interesting because that means the Mavericks appear committed to Christian Wood for at least the remainder of the season. Remember, Wood is in the final year of his contract, and he has an extension deadline on Dec. 24. Do the Mavs let him play out his deal and become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason, or will they offer him an extension before Christmas Eve?

The Dallas Mavericks are still searching for another ball-handler and playmaker too. Rumors suggest they are interested in Derrick Rose, and he is not the only name that will pop up in the rumors related to the Mavs. Stay tuned for all the latest.