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The Dallas Mavericks face a situation where making a big splash trade at the NBA trade deadline would be nice, but it isn’t feasible. They owe their 2023 first-round pick to the New York Knicks due to the Kristaps Porzingis trade from 2019.
With a persisting lack of identity, could the Mavericks still get bold with a change at the NBA trade deadline? The top looming roster concern for the Mavericks is the outlook of Christian Wood, who is set to be a free agent this summer, barring an unlikely contract extension agreement.
Wood is playing some good basketball for the Mavs this season. He’s averaging 18.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks while shooting 53.5 percent from the floor and 38.5 percent from 3-point range. However, again, he is playing on an expiring contract, and the extensions may make it challenging to keep him.
If the Mavs decide to move on from Wood at the midseason trade deadline after their contract talks, one team that could use the shooting upgrade is the Los Angeles Lakers. Dallas had a lot of success playing small ball lineups last season and is better defensively when doing so. Perhaps that could be enticing to lean into again.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Christian Wood, Dallas Mavericks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Lakers did make an aggressive move to acquire Rui Hachimura from the Washington Wizards. The trade features sending out Kendrick Nunn’s expiring salary paired with three second-round picks. The team could bring one of Hachimura or Wood off the bench, depending on the route they choose to go.
What could a trade look like that features the Mavericks sending Wood to the Lakers?
NBA Analysis Network Trade Scenario
Dallas Mavericks Receive: G Patrick Beverley, 2027 First-Round Pick (Swap – LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F/C Christian Wood
Both of these teams have elite players on their rosters. With that said, there’s a stark difference between LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Specifically, James is nearing the end of his career. Somehow, he’s still performing at an All-NBA level at 38. With that in mind, the Lakers can’t concern themselves with balancing their books for the future.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Christian Wood, Dallas Mavericks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
They need to go all-in on winning right now. This deal ought to help them do so. Wood is an elite frontcourt spacer who can man the four or the five. That’ll be especially useful for Russell Westbrook and Hachimura. The Lakers could start Wood alongside Anthony Davis at the four and shift him to the five when Westbrook comes into the game.
On the other hand, the Mavericks have all the time in the world. Not literally. In fact, the Mavs should feel some urgency to put a serious contender around Doncic. Still, the clock isn’t ticking as loudly as it is for the Lakers.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Christian Wood, Dallas Mavericks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
With that in mind, the Mavericks need to make smart financial decisions. Re-signing Wood, depending on his market value, may not be one. If the front office agrees, they should trade him before losing him for nothing.
This deal nets them something. Beverley should make his way into this team’s rotation. Still, the pick swap they’re receiving is most valuable here. It could be a key asset in swinging a big trade for a star player down the line. Perhaps the Mavericks will target someone who doesn’t bring a negative reputation with them.
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