Besides the Los Angeles Lakers, two compelling Eastern Conference teams could also be on the hunt for the service of Christian Wood.
Sources told Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times that both the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat are potential suitors for the talented big man.
A source told Woike that the Bulls are a “potential threat” and may consider signing Wood given that they were granted a sizeable $10.23MM disabled player exception in wake of Lonzo Ball’s full season of absence on the 2023-24 season.
Meanwhile, the Miami Heat are also rumored on the run, and may particularly look to grab the center once they are able to complete the Damian Lillard sweepstakes.
The case for both Wood and the Lakers are considerably difficult at the financial standpoint given that the club is limited in the contract amount that they can offer, but Woike argued that several Los Angeles personnel including coach Darvin Ham got significant ties with the 27-year-old which may eventually create a potential partnership.
Wood remains a key free agent left in this offseason’s market. Amid the enticing offensive talent and potential he boasts, Woike pointed out that the big man’s defensive lapses and personal perception to himself are several factors of him being a risky asset in the eyes of most of the teams.
He is coming off to a lopsided one-year run with the Dallas Mavericks last 2022-23 season, but still averaged a productive 16.6 points, 7.3 boards and 51.5 percent efficiency for 67 games (17 starts).
