Christian Wood vows to tell the true story: Mavs departure could be far messier than intended
Mavericks forward Christian Wood took to Twitter to explain he wants the full story told.
The reality of Christian Wood returning to the Dallas Mavericks appears more distant than ever since the organization traded for him during last summer's offseason.
Dallas has many difficult questions to answer this summer: Kyrie Irving, a rim-protecting center, and improving the roster around Luka Doncic. One question that feels pretty much answered is the one pertaining to Wood. Recent reports from The Athletic and the Dallas Morning News, suggest that Wood's return to Dallas is unlikely. To add, a recent episode of "Inside the Mavs" mentioned how the coaching staff "never really wanted him," while framing the trade to acquire Wood as being a "salary dump." So, Wood took to Twitter, where he called out the reports as inaccurate and vowed to tell the complete story in time.
"We know the truth. Stop putting out these (cap emoji) articles," Wood tweeted. "I’ll tell the real story when the time is right."
The latest events are unfolding with the backdrop of what appeared to be a goodbye tweet from Wood back in April where he wrote, in an ode to Mavs fans, “I want to thank everyone and Mavs fans, especially for their support this season."
He added: "Dallas has a special place in my heart, Back to the grind."
Things haven't fully soured regarding Wood in Dallas, but it is clear that the two aren't necessarily moving toward each other. It has been widely reported that Wood didn't like coming off the bench but did so for the good of the team. It has also been reported in the Morning News, that it was Wood's defense that kept him off the floor in critical stretches.
The only problem with that rationale, however, is that last season the Mavs had no real positive-impact defenders. Dorian Finney-Smith, whom the organization traded away for Irving, wasn't nearly as impactful on the defensive end. Once Irving arrived, Dallas seemingly gave up the prospect of stopping anyone, leaning fully into the notion of outscoring opposing teams.
Still, Wood didn't see nearly as many minutes as expected. In his 17 starts wearing a Mavs uniform, Wood averaged 20.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks. Not bad for someone who was looked at as a non-defender.
Throughout the season, it was widely reported that the Mavs were seeking. a contract extension with Wood. At the turn of the year, Wood could have received a four-year deal, but the two sides couldn't get a deal done.
Near the trade deadline, it was also widely reported that Wood would be traded. Once the deadline passed, Wood tweeted "Beat y'all trade rumors."
Wood played out the months of his contract and is set to be an unrestricted free agent heading into his age 28 season. It was reported that Wood was looking for a long-term deal, and it feels apparent that the long-term contract may not come from the Mavericks.
The relationship between the Mavs and Wood has always exhibited an air of peculiarity. And as the offseason approaches, it is clear that both sides are ready to move on from each other.
