UPDATE: Nov. 20, 10:15 p.m. — Wood has agreed to a three-year, $41 million deal with the Rockets, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. So Wood lands in Houston despite reports from earlier stating that he was still considering offers from teams. Frank Isola had reported a three-year, $27 million deal, which was proven to be false.
Free agent F Christian Wood has agreed to a three-year, $41M deal with the Houston Rockets, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 21, 2020
Woj also reported that the deal is a sign-and-trade with the Pistons. Detroit also waived C Dewayne Dedmon, who was acquired in a deal with the Atlanta Hawks during draft night.
This is a great deal for the Rockets. If Harden and Westbrook decide to stick around, Wood gives Houston another scoring option. Wood has the upside to become a solid 3 in a Big 3 with the Rockets. On the other hand, if Harden and Westbrook bolt, you aren’t locked into Wood long-term, plus he could end up emerging as a long-term asset. The Rockets could look to flip Wood again once his deal is almost up. If Harden and Westbrook are traded, Wood becomes a very appealing fantasy basketball asset. He could end up being THE guy for the Rockets if that happens.
Free agent PF Christian Wood remains engaged in talks with interested teams, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported Friday night. This comes just minutes after Frank Isola reported that Wood was close to finalizing a three-year, $27 million deal with the Houston Rockets. For now, we’ll assume that Wood hasn’t committed to any one team and things remain fluid.
The Pistons must have known that Wood was going to leave because they wasted no time bringing in two bigs in Mason Plumlee and Jahlil Okafor, as well as Josh Jackson. So Wood may have decided before free agency that he didn’t want to re-up with Detroit. The Rockets would be a great spot for Wood if the team decides to keep James Harden and Russell Westbrook. Adding a presence down low would help keep Houston competitive until Harden and Westbrook decide to bolt after their contracts are up.