Dallas Mavericks trade rumors: Clippers eyeing Christian Wood at deadline

The Dallas Mavericks have to decide what to do with Christian Wood before the Feb. 9 trade deadline. The 6’10 big man is in the final year of his contract, and the two sides have explored an extension. A new deal does not appear close, so will the Mavs shop C-Wood before Thursday’s trade deadline? They have until the end of the season to extend him, but will Dallas risk losing him for zero return in free agency?

The organization would prefer a shorter extension, but Wood appears less than eager to sign that deal. Will he find a better offer in free agency? Do the Mavericks just wait it out or could they cash in for a late first-round pick by dealing the 27-year-old before the deadline?

Wood will draw interest if the Mavs make him available, and Marc Stein dropped a team that is monitoring the situation (subscription required) on Saturday afternoon. Here is a look at the latest rumor.

Dallas Mavericks trade rumors: Clippers eyeing Christian Wood at the deadline

The rival LA Clippers are said to have interest in both Wood and Timberwolves guard D’Angelo Russell ahead of the trade deadline. They need some scoring punch as they rank 24th in the league in offensive rating this season. The Clippers are eighth in defense, but cannot contend for a title with a bottom-ten offense, especially in the postseason when the difficulty to score increases.

Trading with the Clippers would be strange given their rivalry. LA knocked Dallas out of the playoffs in the first round two straight years before the Mavericks reached the conference final last season. The Clippers have multiple workable salaries, and the Mavs would love to add a player like Terrance Mann. Dallas also needs guard help, and John Wall is back on the block. The two sides could find a deal, but will they before Thursday’s deadline?

Do the Dallas Mavericks want to strengthen the LA Clippers? Even if they benefit from the deal, it would be odd to help a direct competitor try to improve their roster.

Nico Harrison and the Mavs front office have been active in making calls and talking trades ahead of the deadline. Can the organization find a deal worth doing before Thursday at 2:00 p.m. CT? Stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest.