Trade rumors are really beginning to heat up in the NBA with the trade deadline just over a month away, and it’s beginning to look like the Dallas Mavericks could be a team that is active at the deadline. While they are widely expected to be buyers at the deadline, that may not be enough to prevent the Mavs from exploring potential trade options for Christian Wood if they are unable to reach a contract extension.

Despite the fact Dallas just traded for Wood last offseason, he hasn’t exactly been a smooth fit for the Mavs this season. He’s only recently begun starting games for the Mavericks, and while he’s been his usual self on offense, Wood has a bad reputation as being a somewhat selfish offensive player and a lazy defender.

For the most part, though, Wood has been solid when he’s played for the Mavs this season, and if they can’t come to an extension with him and decide to deal him before the deadline, there would certainly be several teams interested in his services. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the top three trade destinations for Wood should he end up being moved this season.

3. Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers have been involved in trade rumors for ages now, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them be at least interested in a potential deal for Wood if he becomes available. The Lakers were short handed when it came to their big-man rotation even before Anthony Davis was forced to the sidelines with a foot injury, so swinging a deal for Wood could be a big help for them this season.

Wood is putting up strong numbers on the season (17.8 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.6 APG, 54.4 FG%, 40.3 3P%) and he could be exactly what the Lakers offense needs to put together consistently strong outings moving forward this season. Wood fills in the Lakers two biggest weaknesses in big man depth and three-point shooting, so he’s automatically going to be someone on their radar.

Wood can play both power forward and center, although similar to Davis, he’s better suited for the power forward position, and ultimately seems to prefer playing there rather than at center. The Lakers have been rolling out Davis at center when he’s healthy, though, so if that trend continues, they may as well get him some true help at power forward by pulling off a deal for Wood here.