Skip to content 
The Houston Rockets potentially landed one of the best free agents on the market in Christian Wood.
Reports of Wood’s potential contract with Houston are mixed. Adrian Wojnarowski claims it is a three-year, $41 million deal, while Frank Isola has it at $27 million over the same period. This will require a sign-and-trade for the Rockets to the Detroit Pistons with Eric Gordon‘s contract looking like a piece that could be used.
If the deal gets done, this is a major win for the Rockets. Shams Charania has since reported Wood is still talking to other teams – this is going to be one of the biggest stories in the NBA over the coming days, and one that could shape the future of the Rockets.
James Harden trade rumours have circled. The same is true for Russell Westbrook. Houston will try to keep their stars (especially Harden) and if they do, Wood is the perfect big man to play alongside them.
At 6’10, he brings size that they lacked last season. It’s size that is flexible, though, such is Wood’s switchability on the defensive end. He’s athletic, he can block shots and defend wings on occasion. A ferocious finisher at the rim, Wood can catch lobs from Harden and he can spread the floor. The former Sixer shot over 38% from three last season on a decent volume.
Any team that lands Wood will be getting a big ideally suited to the modern NBA. For this Houston team, though, it would be a major coup. It would be a way to address their greatest need without compromising their spacing. To do so with their cap situation and minimal draft assets would be a huge win for the post-Daryl Morey Rockets.
Wood might yet stay in Detroit (despite their persistent attempts to sign every available big). He could go elsewhere. Houston are the team that has the most pressing need, and perhaps where Wood is best placed to flourish.
