NBA Rumors: Mavericks, Clippers Linked To One-for-One Big Man Swap

Now that the Dallas Mavericks have swung the blockbuster trade to acquire Kyrie Irving, what to do with Christian Wood is the next dilemma they need to deal with before Thursday's trade deadline hits.

The Mavs, in fact, tried to send him to the Brooklyn Nets in the Irving deal, according to NBA Insider Marc Stein, but it didn't take.

Wood, who'd been Dallas' second-leading scorer, is on an expiring contract, but is eligible for an extension. The problem is that the Mavs are only interested in a short (two years) extension, while Wood is looking for something longer. If he's going to walk in free agency, the prudent thing to do would be to deal him now.

We reported over the weekend that the Los Angeles Clippers have been "monitoring" Wood, and according to a source, one possible deal could bring a pair of twins together in Big D:

A Christian Wood for Marcus Morris swap "would make some sense" for the Dallas Mavericks who are looking for some wing depth after trading away Dorian Finney-Smith, per @dalton_trigg. pic.twitter.com/bUHtcXnry0
— Unbiased NBA Fan (@nonbiasednbafan) February 6, 2023

With the Clippers motivated to add Wood, and the Mavs all of a sudden needing some wing depth with Finney-Smith going to Brooklyn, swapping Wood for Marcus Morris – twin brother of Markieff Morris, who the Mavs just acquired from Brooklyn – would make some sense on paper.

—Mavericks reporter Dalton Trigg

Wood has been out for a couple of weeks with a fractured thumb, but he'll be back Monday night.

Mavs C/PF Christian Wood (fractured left thumb) will play vs. Jazz tonight. “I’m good to go,” he said.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) February 6, 2023