Christian Wood airs openness to land extension with Mavericks after solid Christmas performance against Lakers

If the Dallas Mavericks are willing and ready, Christian Wood won’t have any second thoughts of hammering an extension.

Following a strong display on his Christmas Day game debut against the Los Angeles Lakers this Sunday, Wood was asked about his thoughts of possibly having an extended partnership with the Mavs.

“I’m happy to be here,” Wood told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon about the possibility of an extension. “That’s what I’ll say. The vibe is good. … I’m open to it.”

Wood, who is an expiring asset and set to earn a $14.3 million in the final year of his three-year contract that started last 2020, becomes eligible to ink a four-year, $77 million contract extension this weekend. His eligibility can’t be more timely enough to raise his case in earning a lucrative paycheck – as he dropped an efficient 30 markers, eight boards, seven assists, four steals and two rejections to majorly contribute on the Mavs’ 124-115 victory over the Lakers.

The 27-year-old undrafted big man served as the prized acquisition of Dallas from last offseason. A gifted offensive talent, he has been showcasing a modern big skill set while very much improving his defensive identity and decision-making with now being in a title-contending Mavs team.

After openly starting the season in a sixth-man role, Wood is gaining significant minutes and starting roles for the past few games from coach Jason Kidd, averaging 17.3 points on 54.1 percent shooting to go with 8.0 boards and 1.5 assists in 31 games played.

A potential extension between Wood and the Mavericks would give the franchise a much secured contention for years to come as they try to win that title with Luka Doncic leading the way.