Christian Wood

With his trade to Dallas now official, former Rockets center Christian Wood composed a letter to thank the Rockets and Houston fans after spending two seasons with the franchise.

With his trade to Dallas now official, former Rockets center Christian Wood composed a letter to thank the Rockets and Houston fans after spending two seasons with the franchise.

HOUSTON (AP) The Houston Rockets selected Auburn freshman Jabari Smith Jr. with the third overall pick in the NBA draft Thursday night, adding a skilled player to join last year's second pick Jalen Green as the team continues its rebuild. Smith was one of three first-round picks the Rockets had in this year's draft. Houston also had the 17th pick, which the team received as part of the trade for James Harden, and the 26th pick but whoever is drafted in that slot will go to the Dallas Mavericks once the trade for center Christian Wood is official.

Tim MacMahon: Sources: Maxi Kleber remains a significant part of the Mavs' plans after the Christian Wood trade. His $9 million salary isn't guaranteed until July 4, but that is considered a formality. Source: Twitter @espn_macmahon What's the buzz ...

The Christian Wood trade opened up the starting center spot for Alperen Sengun, but the Rockets still want to add more depth behind him, per Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.