Shocking details about Christian Wood’s Mavs future

The Dallas Mavericks are rolling as they are the hottest team in the NBA right now. Dallas has won seven games in a row, moving up the standings in an overcrowded Western Conference as they are now just 2.5 games away from first place after nearly being out of the NBA Play-In Tournament just over two weeks ago .

One of the biggest reasons the team has found its groove is a lineup change by head coach Jason Kidd. After coming off the bench in 25 of the first 26 games he played, Christian Wood was placed in the starting line-up for the last nine games and it took off.

It took two games to adjust to the change, as the Mavericks lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers by one point and Minnesota Timberwolves by 10 before tearing off the seven-game winning streak. During that part, Wood was magnificent.

In 10 games as a starter, Wood averaged 19.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.6 blocks per game. Wood has always been a big contributor offensively, but his improvements on the defensive side of the pitch are a major reason the team has gained a foothold.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Christian Wood & Dallas Mavericks Updates

With Wood able to anchor the defense, the team benefits from all the positives he brings offensively. He is the undisputed number 2 option in attack and helps Luka put pressure on Doncic.

Unfortunately, the Mavericks will have to make a difficult decision in the coming weeks. Wood is under consideration for a contract extension and if no deal is reached he will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer. This is almost the same situation the Mavericks had last season with Jalen Brunson and it’s one they don’t want to repeat according to Marc Stein on his Substack.

If the Mavericks cannot agree with Christian Wood on a new contract, they are widely expected to explore the trade market for him before the league trade deadline on Feb. 9 to avoid being exposed to the loss of a another prolific player with no compensation right after Jalen Brunson’s departure to New York as a freelancer.However, the Rockets found the market limited until pre-draft Dallas interest emerged.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Christian Wood & Dallas Mavericks Updates

With a deal expiring and proof that he can help a competitive team win games, Wood’s market could be stronger now than it was off-season when the Mavericks bought him. They still had to pick a first-round pick in the deal, but Dallas would probably be looking for more than that.

It would be hard to trade away a player who has become an important part of their starting line-up. They would be looking for a player who could provide similar impact in return, which could be a big task to accomplish.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Christian Wood & Dallas Mavericks Updates

Working out an overtime deal with Wood is what the Mavericks should be pushing as it puts them in the best position to succeed this season and maintain a key role long term. However, Wood could price himself out of what the Mavericks have to offer with his high level of play.