How the Houston Rockets can trade for Pistons forward Christian Wood

The Deal between the Houston Rockets and Pistons

The proposed deal would have the Detroit Pistons agreeing to a sign-and-trade to send Christian Wood to the Houston Rockets for Danuel House and Eric Gordon. While the Rockets wouldn’t be helping their lack of assets, this deal could still be a win for both teams and Wood himself.

What Christian Wood gains

After finishing last season with the Detroit Pistons with a record of 20-46, Wood let his frustration out on Twitter.

I want to win .

— Christian Wood (@Chriswood_5) June 4, 2020

It’s hard to blame the 24-year-old. Throughout his four-year career on five different teams, he’s finished the season on teams with the following records:

• 76ers: 10-72
• Hornets: 36-46
• Pelicans: 33-49
• Pistons: 20-46

The only time Wood has spent on a winning team so far in his career has been with the 2018-19 Milwaukee Bucks, in which he only showed up in 13 games before being waived. He made it clear that he wants to win, and if he still means that, the Rockets would be a good destination.

Houston is 217-101 in the last four years, with their worst win percentage in that span being 61.1 percent. Wood would instantly get a taste of being in a winning environment instead of what he’s been experiencing his whole career.

What the Detroit Pistons gain

Obviously, the Pistons would like to get something in return if their free agent Christian Wood is serious about winning now. In Danuel House and Eric Gordon, they’d be getting two shooters that aren’t shy about letting it fly. Gordon is coming off a down season, but he picked his game up in the playoffs, averaging 17.3 points per game and shooting 41 percent from the field.

Both Gordon and are capable slashers and, believe it or not, do possess mid-range jumpers. Even though his attempts were severely limited in Houston (as well as anyone not named Russell Westbrook), House shot 36.5 percent from just inside the arc last season.

Being in Detroit could help the duo expand their game while also providing the Pistons with offensive power they desperately need, as Detroit was 21st in offensive rating last season. The Pistons were also 28th in pace last year, something that two guys coming from Mike D’Antoni’s system will assuredly help fix.

Next: How the Rockets benefit