Three Under the Radar Moves from The 2022 NBA Offseason

Mavericks Trade For Christian Wood

Before free agency began, the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks made a splash in the offseason. The Dallas Mavericks offered to trade the No. 26th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Boban Marjanovic, Trey Burke, Marquese Christophers, and Sterling Brown to the Houston Rockets in return for Christian Wood. Although this deal is now seemingly forgotten, it could prove to be an important one that transforms the Luka-led Dallas Mavericks into a serious contender for the championship. Check out the top sports betting sites for betting on the NBA!

Dallas’s frontcourt was a weak spot from last season. The team addressed the issue by signing Christian Wood, a stretch big who is one of the most underrated big men in the NBA. Wood averaged 17.9 points and 10.1 rebounds per match with the rebuilding Rockets. He also shot 50.1 per cent from behind the arc last season.

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Celtics Trade And Sign For Malcolm Brogdon

In the Malcolm Brogdon deal, the Boston Celtics were able to get away with highway robbery. They gave up Daniel Theis and Aaron Naismith but kept a first-round 2023 pick. Boston received a true quarterback who will be their point guard, with NBA Finals experience. Marcus Smart was a great player, but he was clearly out of his position during the playoffs.

The playoffs were different. They could get away with it in the regular season. Smart can now play at his natural two-guard position with Malcolm Brogdon, and the Celtics have a valid point guard who can lead the offense. Brogdon, a former Rookie-of-the Year, has averaged 15.5 points and 4.8 assists per game over his entire career. This move could land the Celtics back at the NBA Finals next year.

Nuggets Sign Bruce Brown

The Denver Nuggets’ wing defense was a problem last season. By trading for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, they confirmed their need for a defensive player in their starting lineup. Bruce Brown was signed to a 2-year contract. Brown will be a solid defensive player off the bench, allowing them to compete against the LeBron James and Kevin Durants of the NBA. Brown will add tremendous depth to the Nuggets’ bench as they try to capitalize on their championship window.  Denver can be a champion if it is healthy. Adding defense in today’s offensive-oriented league cannot hurt. To go with their defensive rating of 111, the former Net averaged 1.1 steals per game.