Mavs Have 'Moved On' From Free Agent Christian Wood; Will 'Remake' Center Rotation
As the NBA offseason officially kicks off, the Dallas Mavericks have three legitimate focuses this summer: Re-signing Kyrie Irving, bolstering their defense, and adding a new, respectable starting center.
In his Substack newsletter on Friday, NBA insider Marc Stein spoke on Mavericks forward Christian Wood and his upcoming free agency, as Dallas has reportedly already 'moved on' and plan to 'remake their center rotation.'
"Wood is bound for unrestricted free agency with the Mavericks, as I reported here April 9 and have subsequently reconfirmed this week, not expected to make him an offer to return," Stein wrote. "The Mavericks, sources say, have moved on and are looking to remake their center rotation."
In his first and only season in Dallas, Wood seemed to be doomed from the jump, as he and head coach Jason Kidd never seemed to get on the same page. His role was nothing short of inconsistent throughout the year. And though he showed flashes on offense, his defensive liability deemed to flash even brighter for Kidd.
The rest of Dallas' big man rotation speaks for itself, which contains Dwight Powell's expired contract, JaVale McGee's overpaid and infective contract, and Maxi Kleber, who didn't quite look the same after returning from his torn hamstring.
This season, the Mavs ranked dead last in the league in rebounds and 28th out of 30 teams in blocks per game, which is why Mavs GM Nico Harrison pledged to upgrade his team's roster in both areas in his exit interview following the end of the regular season.
In the past year, Dallas has been linked to showing interest in big men such as Myles Turner, Deandre Ayton, and John Collins. With the No. 10 pick in play to be traded for a win-now piece, an upgrade at center is certainly a possibility, and the rumors will keep getting hotter as the June 22 drafts nears.
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