NBA Rumors: Christian Wood Trade Market Expected to Be Explored by Rockets

NBA executives reportedly expect the Houston Rockets "to gauge the trade market" for big man Christian Wood.

In a mock draft, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype projected Duke forward Paolo Banchero to be selected by the Rockets at No. 3:

"Banchero's expected arrival could have a huge impact on the future of Christian Wood, who's entering the final year of his contract at $14.3 million. Rival executives who've spoken with HoopsHype expect the Rockets to gauge the trade market on Wood's value this summer. Houston needs to decide if Wood, who turns 27 in September, is going to be a long-term member of the core or be traded for future assets that may align better with Jalen Green and potentially Banchero."

Wood, who has played six seasons, averaged 17.9 points and 10.1 rebounds per game last year.

Kelly Iko of The Athletic delivered an article May 27 regarding Wood's current status and future with the team.

Wood signed a three-year, $41 million contract in 2020, and teams have remained interested in acquiring him, per Iko:

"It's obvious why teams have been intrigued with Wood in the past. He's a unicorn of a big man. That interest hasn't waned, even in the early weeks of the offseason, sources told The Athletic. Wood is talented enough to where the Rockets can't let him walk without getting assets back if their tenure is headed for an ending."

The Rockets are engineering a rebuild and youth movement. They added four first-round picks last year, including Green with the No. 2 choice.

All but five players were in their first, second or third years in the league, and veteran John Wall sat out the season.

Wood is in the veteran camp, though as Iko noted, he has played only 222 games and started 122.

He has room for improvement and can be someone to build around. At the same time, the Rockets may not want to risk losing him for nothing in free agency.

Houston has a big decision to make as it looks to take the next step in its rebuild.