With one season left on his existing contract, the Rockets have a decision to make in the near future on 26-year-old big man Christian Wood.
If Houston is uncertain on his long-term fit, or if the two sides cannot come to a financial agreement on his next contract, it makes sense for the Rockets to pursue trades involving their leading scorer and rebounder, rather than letting walk for no compensation in 2023 free agency.
That’s especially the case given Houston’s rebuilding status, since it’s not as if the team is expecting to contend for a title in the 2022-23 campaign, no matter what. Thus, without a longer-term agreement, the short-term benefits likely aren’t worth the downside a year from now.
