NBA rumors: Former Milwaukee Bucks big man Christian Wood is still on the market. At this point, he’s arguably the biggest name that has yet to sign a contract with a new team. This might not be for very long now with the Los Angeles Lakers reportedly showing significant interest in the 27-year-old.
NBA Rumors: Heat, Bulls Also Interested In Christian Wood
The Lakers are not the only team that has been keeping tabs on Wood, though. According to Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times, both the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat are looking to join in on the fun:
“According to sources familiar with the team’s free-agent pursuits but not authorized to speak publicly, the Chicago Bulls are suddenly viewed as a potential threat that could keep the Lakers from landing Wood,” Woike wrote.
The Heat, whose top priority still remains to be Damian Lillard, is now also being linked to Wood:
“Sources also believe that the Miami Heat could be a suitor for Wood, particularly if they’re able to pull off a Damian Lillard trade,” Woike wrote.
Nevertheless, it still appears that it’s the Lakers who are in pole position. LA has reportedly “done significant background work” on Wood, who also happens to have a connection with head coach Darvin Ham. The Lakers shot-caller was an assistant for the Milwaukee Bucks during the center’s time with the team.
NBA Rumors: Could Christian Wood Return To Bucks?
Wood spent a few months with the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2018-19 season. His tenure did not last very long, with the Bucks opting to waive his contract after playing just 13 games with the team. During that span, he averaged 2.8 points and 1.5 rebounds in just 4.8 minutes per game. Needless to say, his stint in Milwaukee was anything but successful.
Should the Bucks consider a possible reunion with Wood now that he’s available? He’s obviously a much different player than who he was four or five years ago, and Milwaukee could use some additional depth in their frontcourt.
However, what you need to note is that Wood is coming off a three-year contract worth $41 million. While he won’t be looking for that same amount, he’s definitely going to be asking for more than just the veteran’s minimum. The Bucks don’t have cap room available, which means that unless they get him for cheap, the odds of them landing Wood would be extremely low.
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