Draft night saw the Mavs complete their deal with the Rockets which saw center Christian Wood head to dallas in exchange for Trey Burke, fan favorite Boban Marjanović, Marquese Chriss, Sterling Brown, and the draft rights to Wendell Moore jr. (That would later be traded to Minnesota).
No Risk, Big Reward?
This trade wasn’t a big risk for Dallas considering that Wood is on an expiring deal plus they didn’t trade any significant players but it could really pay off big in the end. Christian Wood in his 2 year tender averaged 19 points per game, 10 rebounds, and shot an impressive 38% from 3. If he can get back to his all star level play, he could really make Dallas a true title contender.
The Jalen Brunson Dilemma
Jalen Brunson’s unrestricted free agency has been an interesting storyline to follow this off-season. Even though there were good efforts, it really seemed like a forgone conclusion that Brunson would resign a long term deal with Dallas. But after a draft night that saw the Knicks trade for Jalen Duren then immediately send his draft rights to Detriot as compensation for them taking Kemba Walker in a salary dump, it really seems like New York is making a very strong push for Brunson. Keep in my mind that New York hired Brunson’s father as an assistant coach. And now, thanks to the Knicks clearing out cap space, they are prepared to offer Brunson a 4yr/$110M deal.
Final Thoughts
I bring all of this up to show just how important the Christian Wood could end up being. If Brunson bolts for the Big Apple, Wood would automatically become the key #2 option behind Luka. If Christian Wood can adopted well to the Mavs system, by in to the all effort defensive mentality, and get back to playing at his all star level, this time next season, we could be talking about a long term deal for Christian Wood to stay in Dallas.
TheDyspatch 