Christian Wood Rumors: Celtics, Rockets Talked to Pistons at 2020 Trade Deadline
Christian Wood played out the 2019-20 season with the Detroit Pistons, but the 25-year-old reportedly attracted the attention of two playoff contenders prior to the trade deadline in February.
Per Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer, the Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets made inquiries about Wood before the Pistons decided to keep him.
Wood figures to be one of the most sought-after free agents this offseason coming off a breakout year in Detroit.
The Celtics and Rockets would likely need to work out a sign-and-trade if they want to add Wood during the offseason.
The NBA and National Basketball Players Association reportedly agreed to terms on an amended collective bargaining agreement that sets the salary cap for next season at $109.1 million and the luxury tax at $132.6 million.
Houston ($22.3 million) and Boston ($33.4 million) are currently well over the cap number, per Spotrac.
The Celtics could have $34 million come off their books next season if Gordon Hayward opts out of his deal.
On a recent episode of The Lowe Post podcast (h/t Justin Leger of NBC Sports Boston), ESPN's Zach Lowe noted there has been "buzz" about Hayward potentially leaving Boston.
It's unclear how aggressive the Pistons will be if they attempt to re-sign Wood. ESPN's Zach Lowe reported earlier this month that they have "telegraphed to other teams that it would rather operate as a dumping ground for unwanted salaries, hoarding picks in the process."
Detroit general manager Troy Weaver told reporters last week that the organization will continue to talk with Wood and his representatives: "He's someone we're very interested in. Do I have a number in my head? Yeah, I always have a number in my head. Let's see how it works out."
After going undrafted out of UNLV in 2015 and spending three years moving between the NBA and G League, Wood was claimed off waivers by the Pistons in July 2019. He wound up being one of the league's best bargains with a $1.645 million base salary last season.
Wood set career-highs with 13.1 points and 6.3 rebounds in 62 games. He shot 56.7 percent overall and 38.6 percent from three-point range on 2.3 attempts per contest.
