The Golden State Warriors are once again a championship contender this season. Without a doubt, they have been one of the best defensive teams in the league. Although they are already a top team, there are still some ways to make them better by trading.
One of the ways the Warriors can improve is to get a good big man, which they don't have on their current roster. The Rockets' Wood could be a potential target. The trade scenario we assume is that Wood goes to the Warriors in exchange for Wiseman, Kevin Rooney and a first-round pick.
Golden State Warriors win: Christian Wood
Houston Rockets get: James Wiseman, Kevin Rooney, 2027 first-round picks (GSW)
The Warriors got a big man who suited their system
Wood averaged 16.8 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game and shot 34.1 percent from three-point range. While his three-point shooting percentage is slightly below the league average (34.8 percent), his three-point shooting percentages in his previous two seasons were 37.4 percent and 38.6 percent, so there's reason to believe Wood can be a high-level shooter.
The Golden State Warriors are clearly a team that relies on three-pointer offense, and Wood's presence allows them to better open up space. He can also provide a better interior threat than Looney on the offensive end, and can also improve the team's rebounding ability, while providing a certain size on the defensive end.
Overall, Wood is a big player who is a great fit for the Warriors system. The Warriors don't have to give up a lot of player/draft picks to get him, and it's certainly a great deal option to win at the moment.
Houston Rockets get future deal packages
The Rockets are a team that is rebuilding, and getting a 2020 pick and first-round pick could pique their interest in a trade that will eventually get Christian Wood to join the Warriors.
In this deal, James Wiseman is certainly the biggest attraction. He's the 2nd pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, and as a sporty big man, he also showed some seductive flashes while also pulling out space. Maybe joining a rebuilding team like the Rockets could help him reach his potential. The double-high lineup of Shin Kyung and Wiseman is also interesting because they are both big tech-savvy men.
The 2027 first-round picks will come here as draft compensation, and Kevon Looney will match contracts in the deal and become a veteran of the young team. Overall, it's imperative for the Rockets to send Wood away, and parting ways is in the interest of both sides: Christian Wood will get a chance to compete for the championship, and the Rockets will get a big genius who fits their rebuilding plan.