Luka Doncic has been putting up video game numbers with the Mavericks this season. With averages of 34.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game on 50.7% shooting, it’s no surprise Doncic has lifted Dallas to the fourth-best record in the West.
But if the Mavs are ever going to finish the job and bring a title back to Texas, they are going to need someone else to step up. Just based on talent alone, Christian Wood is probably the most likely of Dallas’ supporting cast members to fill the shoes of Luka’s sidekick.
Unfortunately, extending Wood’s expiring contract will not be an easy thing to do, even if he has reaffirmed his loyalty to Dallas.
Wood is now eligible to sign a four-year, $77 million extension, an idea that brings a smile to his face.
“I’m happy to be here. That’s what I’ll say,” Wood told ESPN after his 30-point performance in a Christmas win against the Lakers. “The vibe is good. … I’m open to it.”
Sources told ESPN the Mavs have interest in a two-year extension, which would be for a maximum of $36 million. That would give Wood security and preserve long-term flexibility for the Mavs, who could have significant salary-cap space in the summer of 2025.
If the Mavericks can't come to terms with Christian Wood on a new contract, they are widely expected to explore the trade market for him before the league's Feb. 9 trade deadline, per @TheSteinLine
(Via https://t.co/FgwRrSC7eA) pic.twitter.com/rycIEgZ0KE
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 4, 2023
So while both sides are open to a long-term partnership, things could just as easily go the other way.
Christian Wood’s Future In Doubt Amid Latest Contract Negotiations With Mavericks
As NBA Insider Marc Stein recently reported on his Substack, Wood could actually end up being moved ahead of the deadline if he fails to reach a contract agreement with the Mavericks.
The Dallas Mavericks have commenced dialogue on a contract extension with big man Christian Wood, league sources tell The Stein Line.
Wood became eligible for an extension on Christmas Eve. The window for a deal technically lasts until June 30, with a four-year extension worth just shy of $77 million representing the maximum Wood can earn, but a resolution is realistically required much sooner as the Feb. 9 trade deadline approaches.
If the Mavericks can’t come to terms with Wood on a new contract, they are widely expected to explore the trade market for him before the league’s Feb. 9 trade deadline to prevent exposing themselves to the loss of another productive player without compensation on the heels of Jalen Brunson’s free-agent departure to New York. The Rockets, though, found that market limited until Dallas’ interest emerged before the draft.
Only time will tell where Wood ultimately lands next season or if he goes anywhere at all, but the Mavs cannot afford to lose him for nothing.
If they don’t make significant progress on an extension before February, we could see his name become a growing presence in the NBA rumor mill.
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