Christian Wood is “open” to signing an extension with the Mavericks, Tim MacMahon of ESPN tweets. Wood became eligible this weekend to sign an extension for as much as four years and $77MM.
“I’m happy to be here,” the Mavericks big man said. “That’s what I’ll say. The vibe is good. … I’m open to it.”
On Christmas Day, Wood had arguably his best game since being acquired by the Mavericks from Houston during the offseason. He piled up 30 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, four steals and two blocks in a victory over the Lakers.
We have more from the Southwest Division:
- Zion Williamson is no longer in the league’s health and safety protocols, ESPN’s Andrew Lopez tweets. He’s not listed on the injury report heading into the Pelicans’ game against Indiana on Monday. Williamson missed two games this past week.
- Jaxson Hayes has been buried on the Pelicans’ bench, but with Williamson out on Friday, Hayes produced his best outing of the season, William Guillory of The Athletic notes. Hayes had 21 points, six rebounds and four assists against the Thunder. “As a player, you never want to be out of the rotation, but obviously things happen. … Having this opportunity to come back in and show what I can do still was really nice,” Hayes said. The Pelicans will have to extend Hayes a qualifying offer, currently valued at $9,170,460, to make him a restricted free agent next summer.
- Adding Victor Wembanyama in the draft would make the Rockets a true title contender, according to Sam Vecenie of The Athletic. Jabari Smith Jr. and Wembanyama would make them equally adept in the frontcourt on both ends, Vecenie continues, while Wembanyama would play well off 2021 lottery pick Jalen Green in two-man offensive settings. Vecenie and Kelly Iko take a closer look at Houston’s young core, as well as other fits in next year’s draft.
VW on Houston would be amazing. They also have a ton of money to spend, even more if they trade Eric Gordon.
Eric Gordon and a future first for James Harden in a sign and trade (if reports are true)
Draft Victor
Martin Jr and Boban for Crowder
Harden Green Crowder Smith Jr Wembanyama
Washington KPJ Tate Eason Sengun
That’s a solid team. Harden turned more of a PG and less of a shooter. Green, Smith Jr and VW playing off Harden would all make their games better. This would be one of the most entertaining teams to watch and could possibly be a playoff side. However, defensively your expecting a lot from Crowder. Smith Jr and Green would also be stepping into big roles.
I like the bench too, think KPJ suits that role more and you have options to play next to him like Washington or Christopher. Paired with 3 and D forwards like Mathews, Tate and Eason. Then Sengun plays centre but would also have a huge role to play.
You can’t put Harden and entertaining in the same sentence…
Houston would also be far better served not speeding up VWs timeline and letting that happen naturally…
Rather have Kenyon than Crowder
If I were Bulls I would make Jaxson Hayes a decent offer, similar player to Derrick Jones Jr. but younger and better 36min stats. 3/35 makes sense but they would have to move Jones in a trade, you don’t need 2 lob threats on one team. Hayes is potentially a better outside shooter though, and would be a rotation upgrade.
Green in his second yr. Playing 34+ mins. Is having a solid yr. Wembanyama for sure is #1. Scoot on this team. Oh man !!
A top 5 pick is an impact player next yr. I think the lottery is deep. Good 1st rd.
Green is a player …….
Wood is going to get some money probably, but the Mavs will be active in trade talks until Doncic gets some much needed help. Hardaway has been inconsistent, even Dinwiddie should be up for discussion if the return is right. They need a combination of athleticism, size, and shooting that they don’t have at the moment.