Christian Wood thanks Rockets, fans for two seasons in Houston

With his trade to Dallas now official, former Rockets center Christian Wood composed a letter Friday to thank the Rockets and Houston fans after spending his last two NBA seasons with the franchise.

“In our two seasons together, I experienced how passionate the city is and how much you love your team,” Wood wrote. “I formed incredible bonds and lifelong friendships. There are memories that I will never forget. The future is exciting for the young group, and I wish my former teammates the best! I’ll be tuned in, just down the road.”

Wood agreed to join the Rockets in November 2020, when former NBA MVPs James Harden and Russell Westbrook were still on the roster. He will be 27 years old next season and entering the final year of his current contract, which made him a sub-optimal fit for a rebuilding situation.

With that in mind, Rockets general manager Rafael Stone traded Wood to Dallas — a Western Conference finals team from this past season, led by perennial MVP candidate Luka Doncic — in exchange for a first-round draft asset that became Kentucky guard TyTy Washington.

In the end, it could be a win-win transaction. Wood joins a Mavericks team that is ready to contend in his prime NBA years, while the Rockets gain a player that is in age alignment with their young core. Houston also freed up the starting center role for 20-year-old Alperen Sengun.

But before moving on to what’s next, Wood wanted to reflect on two years with the Rockets, where he averaged 19.1 points (50.7% FG, 38.4% on 3-pointers) and 9.9 rebounds in 31.4 minutes. Scroll on to read the complete text of his farewell letter to the Rockets and Houston fans.

Had some amazing memories in H-town ????❤️.. pic.twitter.com/RGURDBB9X9

— 35 (@Chriswood_5) June 24, 2022

???? Thank you, @Chriswood_5! pic.twitter.com/PhukgBVHHK

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) June 24, 2022