Marc stein published an article yesterday mentioning that the Mavs will begin exploring trade options for Christian Wood if they can't reach an agreement on a contract extension. Per CBA provisions: Wood would be eligible for a 4 yr 77M dollar contract if he signed a max extension with Dallas. However, DAL reportedly wants to offer a shorter 2-year 36M deal to Wood to maintain flexibility. Because of how robust Wood's market would be in FA its reasonable to believe that he can easily get more than 18M per season if he chooses to wait it out. Fresh off of losing Jalen Brunson for nothing due contract reasons it seems highly likely that Wood would be on the trading block immediately if they cant work out a new deal since DAL wouldn't want to risk losing him for nothing which is where the idea of this deal comes in.
Dallas: From Dallas' POV this is a pretty solid return for Wood. Ever since Luka was drafted this is a team that has always had trouble protecting the paint. It's what led them to offer Javale a 3-year deal which hasn't panned out at all as he looked virtually unplayable. As gifted as wood is offensively, he may be one of the worst defensive bigs in the league which is stark contrast from jakob who is arguably up there as one of the best. AT 7'1 he's a defensive juggernaut that would help reshape Dallas' defense. He's also developed quite well offensively as well. He's an underrated passer out of the post and has good touch around the basket. He's a sound cutter and rebounder as well.
SA: Not really much to say here for the spurs. They turn their vets into expiring money and draft capital as they continue their push for wembenyama.
LA: LA turns Russ and those draft picks and fills up its roster with shooting and size. While neither are good defenders, Wood and Doug are fantastic shooters and would help stabilize LA's half-court offense. The dynamic of Wood and Davis is also very interesting as they can alternate between the 4 and 5 positions due to their versatility. Wood's shooting can open up the interior for Davis, and AD's defense can cover for Wood's weaknesses. Jrich would add more perimeter length which they desperately need. This deal also nets them a 12M trade exception which gives them more flexibility and the opportunity to make more moves down the line.