Christian Wood has quietly become the most sought-after free agent available on the NBA market right now.
Over the past few weeks the 27-year-old has primarily been linked to two teams: the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls.
For a while there it seemed like Wood was destined for L.A. – until a roadblock emerged.
Since then, the prospect of Chicago utilizing the cash made available thanks to Lonzo Ball’s injury has turned the Bulls into a very real threat to steal Wood away from the Lakers.
This week, another potential suitor for Wood’s services emerged: the Miami Heat.
According to NBA insider Jovan Buha, Pat Riley and Co. could make a play for Wood if the stars align.
“Christian Wood, from my understanding, is interested in a potential role in Miami—depending on what players are involved in that [Dame] trade. If they add Nurkić I think that frontcourt is set. If they don’t & get rid of Jović, can Wood come in & outplay Love & Bryant”@jovanbuha pic.twitter.com/tMBvB2Hhpe
— Dru (@dru_star) August 11, 2023
“Wood, from my understanding, is interested in a potential role in Miami and depending on what players are involved in that [Damian Lillard] trade,” Buha said.
That said, because of the questions surrounding the Heat’s viability in their pursuit of Lillard, this is a very fluid situation.
“From the Miami side, Nikola Jovic I think will be someone that would likely go to Portland or elsewhere,” Buha continued.
“And then does Jusuf Nurkic come back? Because I think Nurkic is a big key here… If they add a Nurkic, I think that frontcourt is pretty much set… If they don’t and they get rid of Jovic… can Christian Wood come in and outplay Kevin Love and Thomas Bryant?”
At this point, the Lakers have made their position on Wood crystal clear.
Vanessa and La La had themselves a fun night. https://t.co/hXacDxrxAv
— Game 7 (@game7__) August 12, 2023
They want him, but for the minimum.
If he costs anything more than that – they’ll pass.
Will Wood ultimately end up with one of the Lakers, Bulls or Heat by the beginning of the 2023-24 NBA season? Time will tell.
Related: Jordyn Woods’ Workout Photos Go Viral After Vacation With Karl-Anthony Towns
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
