With both Kyrie Irving and Christian Wood set for unrestricted free agency this offseason, the Dallas Mavericks roster that struggled to make the postseason in 2023 could look much different in 2024. Despite some sudden trade talks, Luka Doncic isn’t going anywhere, but others like Irving and Wood? That’s a different story.
There’s no doubt both players can bring a lot to the table. Especially in the scoring column, with Wood averaging 16.6 points per game despite playing just under 26 minutes per contest. But perhaps his $14.3 million salary could be reallocated to other players who fit the team’s needs.
NBA insider Marc Stein’s latest sense is that the Mavericks won’t seek to re-sign Wood this offseason. Stein suggested this was partially due to the fact that Dallas executives reportedly already tried to negotiate an extension with the 27-year-old prior to trading for Irving ahead of the trade deadline. Talks got nowhere then, and Stein’s feeling is that the stance hasn’t changed.
The Mavericks initially traded the 26th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft plus several salary fillers for Wood last offseason. He was expected to fill a starting role, but that never materialized with Wood starting just 17 of his 67 appearances. This came after starting 108 of 109 games the past two seasons in Houston.
Chances are, Wood can find a starting role elsewhere this offseason. After missing the playoffs all seven seasons of his NBA career, maybe Wood seeks a chance to play for a contender. But then again, that was the expectation in Dallas too.
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