Christian Wood discusses contract extension talks with Rockets

In comments prior to throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at Wednesday’s Houston Astros game, Rockets big man Christian Wood said he’s had talks regarding a potential contract extension with the franchise.

“We’ve had a talk,” said Wood, who just wrapped up the second season of a three-year deal he signed in November 2020. “It’s something we could talk about later in the summer. We’ll just have to see.”

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Wood, who was Houston’s leading scorer and rebounder last season, has averaged 19.1 points (50.7% FG, 38.4% on 3-pointers) and 9.9 rebounds in 31.4 minutes per game over his two years in Houston.

The most the Rockets could conceivably offer Wood in an extension this offseason would be four years and approximately $77 million in total — though they would have the ability to offer more than that (via Bird rights) if Wood were to become an unrestricted free agent in 2023.

The Rockets are only able to offer Wood a 4-year, $77 million extension this summer. Wood declined to answer if that would have any impact on his decision to sign an extension https://t.co/j9ybg152Sj

— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) June 8, 2022

Wood turns 27 years old this offseason, and it remains to be seen whether his optimal NBA position is at power forward or center. Given his slender frame, Wood often struggles defensively at center ⁠— yet his athleticism and shooting range makes him a tough cover on offense.

Regardless, though, Wood is clearly one of the league’s most talented and skilled big men, with traits that don’t come around frequently in 6-foot-10 players. He’s also young enough to still potentially be a fit with the rebuilding Rockets. Thus, if the contract was friendly enough in the eyes of general manager Rafael Stone, there’s certainly a case for the team to have interest in an extension. It simply comes down to price.

On the other hand, if the sides aren’t in agreement on his next contract, it makes sense for the Rockets to explore trades this offseason — rather than risk eventually losing him for no compensation.⁠ While in theory the team could wait until the February 2023 trade deadline to explore deals, it seems likely that Wood could have more value in the 2022 offseason, when his new team would have him for at least a full season.

In either scenario, step one is gauging the market and seeing where each side stands, financially. It sounds as if that is what is taking place early in the 2022 offseason between Wood and the Rockets.

Christian Wood, who’s throwing out a ceremonial pitch before today’s Astros game, says he’s had a conversation with the @HoustonRockets about an extension and expects to have more. pic.twitter.com/PYjUn7T9Br

— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) June 8, 2022