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Golden State Warriors’ pacific rival makes huge free agent signing

By Peter O'Keefe

DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 22: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors and Christian Wood #35 of the Dallas Mavericks position for a rebound in the second half at American Airlines Center on March 22, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 22: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors and Christian Wood #35 of the Dallas Mavericks position for a rebound in the second half at American Airlines Center on March 22, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images) /
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The most talented free agent center is now off the market for the Golden State Warriors, with former Dallas Mavericks’ big man Christian Wood reportedly signing with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Having averaged 16.6 points (51.5% FG, 37.6% 3PT FG) and 7.3 rebounds in 2022-23, Wood’s ongoing availability had been one of the biggest free agent surprises this offseason. But after months of speculation, the 27-year-old has signed a two-year deal (second-year player option) with the Lakers according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.  

Christian Wood’s move to the Los Angeles Lakers could prove a crushing blow for a Golden State Warriors team needing center depth.

It turns out that Wood was theoretically available for the financially-limited Warriors, with his deal worth $2.7 million this season and $3 million in 2024-25. He was undoubtedly looking for a bigger number that would reflect his offensive productivity, but constant issues surrounding his defense and cultural fit seemingly ruined those plans.

It’s a big acquisition for the Lakers who, much like the Warriors, had little in their big man department behind superstar Anthony Davis and an earlier free agent signing in Jaxson Hayes.

Christian Wood of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket against Kevon Looney and Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors at American Airlines Center on March 22, 2023. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
Christian Wood of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket against Kevon Looney and Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors at American Airlines Center on March 22, 2023. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images) /

Meanwhile, Golden State are still on the lookout to fill their vacant 14th roster spot, with most believing that should go to a big man given no player on the current roster stands above 6’10”.

There was never any reported traction between Wood and the Warriors, though his omission from the free agent market does signify a dwindling crop of options. Former Warrior Javale McGee signed with another pacific rival in the Sacramento Kings last week, having previously been stretched-and-waived by the Mavericks.

The best available free agent centers now appear to include veterans Bismack Biyombo, Tristan Thompson and Blake Griffin. The latter was linked with a move to Golden State in the past fortnight.

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The Warriors’ projected center rotation currently revolves heavily around starting big man Kevon Looney and small-ball options in Draymond Green and Dario Saric, while 23-year-old rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis could emerge as another alternative at Steve Kerr’s disposal.

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