NBA Trade Rumors: Predicting where the top 20 deadline candidates will land

3. Christian Wood, Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks are a team that likely needs – or should – make a move before the NBA Trade Deadline. Luka Doncic needs help if the Mavericks are going to make another deep run in the Western Conference playoffs and the best way to do such a move is via trade.

If the Mavs are going to make a big move, it will likely come in the way of Christian Wood. And the reason why he’s on this list is that there’s a chance that the Mavs have to move him anyway – he’s a free agent after the season and if the Mavs aren’t going to pay him the big-money he’s going to command, it would be smart for them to explore his trade market ahead of the deadline.

Ultimately, I believe the Mavs will roll the dice on the rest of the season with Wood. If it doesn’t work out, I suppose they could try to work a sign-and-trade during the offseason if Wood gets a huge offer from another team.

Prediction: He is not traded.