THE CRUCIFIX: Cato: Wood isn't thrilled w/ his role...Will depart in the summer

[DanSchwartzgan]

TimMcM is apparently advancing the idea that a 2-year extension is on the table now for Wood.

Story is behind ESPN paywall, but generalities summarized at Real GM say:

"The Dallas Mavericks have interest in signing Christian Wood to a two-year, $36 million extension, sources tell Tim MacMahon of ESPN.

The Mavericks can sign Wood for up to $72 million over four years currently. The $36 million represents the most the Mavericks can sign Wood to on a two-year deal.

The Mavericks could have significant salary cap space in 2025 and a short-term deal with Wood would preserve that.

"I can't answer that," said Wood when asked if he needs a four-year commitment.

MacMahon appears to suggest the Mavericks could explore Wood's trade market if he doesn't commit to an extension."


The prior story was nuanced that the Mavs might be open to a 2-year ext. Now he asserts they do have interest. It's hard to tell if he is working with the exact same info as before, and just giving it a slight twist (from prior experience, this is his style, where the story gets buffed up to satisfy what he wants to say), or whether the info has changed with the Mavs now expressing an actual willingness to commit.

One new piece here is that it includes $36M which would be the full amount allowed over 2 years, and would not leave the door open to a subsequent trade. From what I saw, there was no such number in the prior note, leaving open the idea that the Mavs willingness to go to 2 years was based on the ability to include him if the Big Deal came along.

Another new nuance now being added says the Mavs "could be" working on an either-or basis -- if he won't extend, they try to trade him.

One other point - this article was by Windthorst, so it's his impression of what TM said, rather than TM writing it. IOW, the advancement from "might be open" to "they have interest" and the inclusion of specific numbers and of Mavs trade interest may be just Windy's spin and addition to what TM actually heard a week ago more or less.

But if we do have multiple stories with changing terms, who is feeding this info to the media, and negotiating through the media?

Thanks for bringing attention to this.  I think it is just a regurgitation rather than a change of stance.  You are right that the story now says “are interested”.  It feels like sloppy writing as there is no mention of a change in stance.  The entire piece is a historical retrospective and when they get to the important line about intent they use the past tense…Sources have “told ESPN”.  

The mention of the dollar amount says “for a maximum of $36mm”.  Sounds more like data than a quote.  Plus, I’ve heard TM put it this way on a podcast.  When I’ve heard him live, it was clear that part was opinion.  He then went on to say that if they try to “get cute” with the years, they won’t be able to do anything less than the full allowed amount.  

One other note from the story.  Here is the data quoted when Wood plays solo-big alongside Luka…

“Those concerns still exist, and there are doubts about how Wood will fare as a defensive anchor in the playoffs. Dallas has allowed 119.8 points per 100 possessions when Wood plays as the lone big man in lineups with Doncic, according to data from pbpstats. The flip side: Those lineups have lit it up, scoring 121.9 points per 100 possessions.”