After falling one step short of the NBA finals last season, the Dallas Mavericks have emerged as contenders yet again this season. The major spotlight is arguably on Luka Doncic’s historic season. However, the addition of Christian Wood has really helped the Mavericks in spacing the floor and taking control of the interior. But despite his valuable contributions, the 27-year-old’s name came up in recent trade talks. Now, the man who made Shaquille O’Neal a popular meme addressed the rumors of potentially leaving Dallas.

It was back when Wood was with the Rockets that Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley aimed criticism. However, that night without John Wall carrying the forces, the now Mavericks center showed off his true potential. Christian Wood put up one of his best career performances with a huge 27 points and 15 rebounds double-double. After the game, the Los Angeles Lakers legend did his due diligence and said, “I owe you an apology, I wasn’t really familiar with your game.”

Wood instantly took a jab back at the Big Diesel calling him a casual fan. Likewise, their interaction soon would become one of the most popular memes of this year. Now, with noise around his name yet again, Wood spoke out yet again to seal his feelings towards the Mavericks organization.

Wood clarifies trade rumors to Shaquille O’Neal and the NBA world

With the dreading trade deadline knocking on the doors, several organizations are planning on making big moves. Watching Luka Doncic absolutely tear the NBA this season, the Mavericks might not want to waste his insane output. Notably, despite the 23-year-old averaging 32.8 points 8.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists, Dallas is barely hovering over the .500 mark. Likewise, the trade rumors sparked, and the one on the chopping block was Christian Wood.

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Despite being only 27, Wood has played for seven organizations in his short career. Moreover, his fit with the Dallas Mavericks has often come into question. Chris Haynes was the first to report on the rumors. According to him. He has been an efficient and versatile big being able to knock down timely shots. However, his demands as a star player have been on a rise and he only recently got the role of being a starter. In addition, the Mavericks’ major defensive turmoils remain in place as Wood hasn’t evolved on the other side of the floor.

Despite the heavy tensions surrounding his name, the Mavericks center opened up on feeling great as a member of the franchise. He told ESPN, “I?m happy to be here. That?s what I?ll say. The vibe is good. ? I?m open to it.?

This season so far, Wood’s 17.3 points and 8 rebounds have been a serious game-changer for the Mavericks. While he might not be a traditional defensive big man, his ability to knock down threes off the catch makes him a lethal partner besides Doncic. The Mavericks had craved an effective center since Porzingis’ departure. Likewise, Wood’s assumed that role with flair and confidence.

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The Mavericks will most likely look to make trades with the deadline approaching. However, delivering away a versatile player such as Christian Wood might not be the right direction to follow. Do you think Dallas needs to trade Christain Wood? Let us know your views in the comments below.