With the worst record in the Western Conference, the Houston Rockets enter the week of the NBA’s Feb. 10 trade deadline for the 2021-22 season with a clear incentive to at least consider deals.
For veteran players who can become unrestricted free agents in 2023, like 26-year-old big man Christian Wood, this week is the last chance for Houston to trade him with two seasons still left on the current contract.
Potentially, offers may decline if they wait for the offseason, since Wood would have only one year left, and the Rockets don’t want to eventually lose a valuable player for minimal to no compensation. That said, it’s worth noting that a hypothetical team acquiring Wood in 2022-23 would still land his contractual Bird rights, which could help retain him.
But with a player like Wood, who is Houston’s top scorer and rebounder while still being young enough to be a viable part of the rebuild, the Rockets also have to consider any possibilities that could be if they keep him around for the long haul — and perhaps beyond this contract.
According to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Wood has already made it clear to the Rockets’ front office and ownership that this is exactly where he wants to be. Among his comments:
I’m committed to this organization, and I know they’re committed to me. I’ve given them everything. They’ve given me everything, too. I’m honored and blessed to be here. I’m really just waiting for this trade deadline to be over.
This is my first year being in trade rumors. I’m not really a fan of it. I don’t want it anymore. This is my home. This is where I want to be. I’ve told (Stephen) Silas and Tilman (Fertitta) and Pat (Fertitta) and Raf (Stone), and they have the same feeling about me.
The way Gordon, Wood addressed the trade speculation, both sounded as if they would be very pleased to be introduced as Rockets starters Thursday night. Between them, they have been involved in one "real" trade in their careers. https://t.co/PNqlFvQ1Dl
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) February 5, 2022
That doesn’t mean Wood ultimately will stay, of course. As a rebuilding team, the Rockets will certainly listen to any trade offer on a veteran player, and it would be foolish to eliminate any possibilities. Moreover, the uncertainty of whether Wood can play long-term alongside rookie big man Alperen Sengun is another variable to consider.
But on the other hand, Wood’s apparent strong desire to be in Houston is also worth putting into the equation. It shouldn’t and won’t dictate the final decision by itself, but his desire to be with the Rockets and the possibilities of a partnership lasting beyond 2023 carries real value.
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