Christian Wood has been the subject of trade speculations for some time now, and given how he has played so far, he'd certainly get several interest from contending teams if he's made available.
Wood currently plays for the Houston Rockets, but they are in a complete rebuild. That means if the big man stays with the team, he could be spending his peak years without much playoff success or even title chances.
However, if there is one thing going in his favor, it's the fact that he is in the second year of a cheap three-year deal. With that said, the Rockets could easily flip him to a contender and get solid assets in return. Meanwhile, the 26-year-old gets to play some significant basketball and contribute to a winning team.
Considering that, here are the three best trade destinations for Rockets' Christian Wood.
Christian Wood Trade Destinations
One of the most improved teams in the league this season is the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls have started quickly, going 12-5 in the first 17 games of the campaign. They were extremely active in the offseason, acquiring Lonzo Ball, DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso.
These additions have been vital to their start, and adding a player like Wood could make them a legitimate contender. He could fit in the starting lineup even when Nikola Vucevic returns from injury or be a lethal sixth man.
On the season, he is averaging 16.2 points per game along with 11.2 rebounds. Wood is a versatile scorer as he can score at all three levels.
Coby White could be a trade piece in a deal for Wood to provide Chicago with another player that could help them compete for a title. They could also incorporate draft picks to improve their offer.
If the Bulls can acquire Wood, they have a legitimate contending team in the Eastern Conference.
The Golden State Warriors have been the best team in the league to start the season. Even though they are still without star guard Klay Thompson, they sit atop the Western Conference at 15-2.
Stephen Curry has had a phenomenal campaign so far, averaging 28.4 points per game along with 5.9 rebounds and 6.6 assists. He is also shooting 41.1 percent from behind the arc.
Wood would be a great fit in Golden State as they could use a reliable center. Golden State is set to get back to championship contention, and adding Wood would make them an even more lethal team.
The Warriors could use their young players in this deal, such as James Wiseman or Moses Moody. They could also use future first-round draft picks to stir the pot for the Rockets to make the deal. Wood would give the Dubs a much-needed established center to make a deep playoff run.
The Sacramento Kings have been in the midst of a rebuild for some time now and need to build up their core. Adding Wood would pair nicely with their young guards De'Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton.
The Kings fired their head coach Luke Walton, which was news fans have been longing for. They have named Alvin Gentry the interim head coach. This is a change in the right direction, and adding a player like Wood could take the team to a new level.
Sacramento has not made the postseason since the 2005-06 season and by the looks of it, they won't again this year. Adding Wood, who can get a double-double on a nightly basis, would be an ideal fit. The Kings have Marvin Bagley III to offer as a piece in this deal, especially since he hasalso been in trade rumors as of late.
Bagley III could thrive in a new situation and would be able to grow with the Rockets' young core. A deal involving Bagley III and draft compensation could be beneficial for both teams.
Wood would be a great threat in the pick and roll with Fox and Haliburton, adding another element to the offense.
He is an intriguing player to watch as the season moves forward. Contending teams and teams looking to add a solidified center for the future could make an offer.
Christian Wood isn't a household name, but he is a perfect small-ball center in the modern NBA. He will come in and make an impact for any team if he is moved, and moving on from him could help the Rockets acquire more assets. As it currently stands, though, Houston has not made it clear what their plans are for Wood and the rest of the team amid their struggles.
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