What the Detroit Pistons need to do with Christian Wood in free agency
By Matthew Way
While the sign-and-trade options for Christian Wood are limited, they’re at least worth exploring.
If it looks like Wood is going to get more money than Detroit is willing to spend, the discussion then turns to the possibility of a sign-and-trade. Those sorts of deals are very difficult to complete, however, and they can only be made under limited circumstances.
Wading through potential options in the league paints an even bleaker picture. Any team with cap space looking to sign Wood for its future has no real motivation to give up assets for no reason. And the number of teams that could make a sign-and-trade deal work and have a need for the Pistons’ big is limited.
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The Dallas Mavericks could potentially see him as a rim-running replacement for Dwight Powell if they don’t believe he’ll recover from his Achilles injury. The New Orleans Pelicans are losing Derrick Favors, don’t have cap space, and will be seeking to re-sign Brandon Ingram. With limited options to improve the team in free agency and familiarity with Wood, they could be a potential suitor. But the realistic trade partners end just about there.
Of course, we know that things change rapidly in the NBA. A team like the Philadelphia 76ers seems desperate for change. A deal with them seems unlikely given their big contracts like Al Horford and Tobias Harris, but if they’re looking for a more natural fit alongside Joel Embiid, Wood may be of some interest. And if they’re willing to part with some more valuable assets for a team like Detroit to take on a huge contract, it’s at least worth a discussion.