Houston Rockets: The case for, and against, trading Christian Wood

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Christian Wood #35 of the Houston Rockets (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /

The case against the Houston Rockets trading Chrisitan Wood: Age

Consider this the other side of the timeline coin. For a second time: Christian Wood is a mere 25 years old. Rebuilding teams need to put a premium on young talent. In Christian Wood, the Rockets already have it. Why trade away one of the only young players with any All-Star upside currently on the roster (shout out to Kevin Porter Jr)?

Related Story. 3 reasons why the Houston Rockets shouldn’t trade Christian Wood

Not to mention he has already bonded with this group, after enduring a painful 2020-21 season. He has an understanding of Coach Silas’ system and expectations. Simply put, he is already a Rocket, and at 25, that does nothing to compromise the ultimate goal of rebuilding a contender.

Most importantly, Wood still has ample time to improve, and if his career so far is any indication, the safe money is on him doing exactly that. If he comes back next season with 10 lbs more of muscle, ready to protect the rim, scrap for rebounds, and generally provide all the qualities expected of a conventional center to go along with that 37% three-point shooting, Stone should want him to be doing so in a Rockets uniform. Simply put, Wood is young enough to be part of a young core. On a related note: