NBA

Mavericks’ Christian Wood on contract extension: ‘I’m happy to be here’

Mavericks Christian Wood on contract extension - 'I'm happy to be here'

On Christmas Day, Christian Wood of the Dallas Mavericks became eligible for a four-year, $77 million contract extension. In the Mavericks’ 124-115 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, the 27-year-old ended his outing with 30 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, four steals, and two blocks in 38 minutes as a starter.

Wood shot 12-of-17 (70.6%) from the field and knocked down two 3-pointers. His 12 field goals were a season high. “I’m happy to be here,” Wood said about a potential contract extension after the win. “That’s what I’ll say. The vibe is good… I’m open to it.”

Referring to a couple of NBA betting sites, the Mavericks have the 12th-best odds to win the championship in 2023. A few sportsbooks show greater odds for the New Orleans Pelicans and Denver Nuggets.

In November 2020, Wood signed a three-year, $41 million contract with the Detroit Pistons, as part of a sign-and-trade deal with the Houston Rockets. Of course, the forward was then traded to Dallas back in June. Now, he is making $14,317,459 this season in a Mavericks uniform.

Through 31 appearances this season, Wood is averaging 17.3 points, eight boards, and 1.5 assists per game. Also, he is shooting 54.1% from the floor and 38.3% from 3-point range.

Mavericks forward Christian Wood is now eligible to receive a four-year, $77 million contract extension

Mavericks G.M. Nico Harrison will likely offer the sixth-year player a new contract. Although Wood has made starts in only six games this season, he leads the team in blocks, logging almost one per game. But he’s averaging a career-high 2.3 turnovers per game as well.

Additionally, NBA salary cap analysts are expecting Dallas to offer the former Rocket a four-year, $77 million deal. He would earn $17.18 million next season, $18.55 million in the 2024-25 season, $19.92 million in the 2025-26 season, and $21.3 in his final year. For a reminder, this is a ballpark estimate.

Not to mention, it boils down to how much Harrison and Mavericks owner Mark Cuban value Wood. His 30-point game on Christmas Day was his second of the season. The UNLV product has logged six double-doubles with the team. He trails only Luka Doncic in scoring with the Mavs.

On Dec. 16, in Dallas’ 130-110 win over the Portland Trail blazers, the wing scored a season-high 32 points on 11-of-17 (64.7%) shooting from the field. In addition to knocking down two 3-pointers, Wood also grabbed 12 rebounds. Since he has only missed three games with the Mavs, the front office should keep him.