In a somewhat surprising move, the Golden State Warriors waived Marquese Chriss in order to create a roster spot for the promotion of Damion Lee.
Lee’s two-way contract was converted to a standard contract, as his 45-day limit as a two-way player was about to expire.
By releasing Chriss, the Warriors reduced their salary cap hit from $1,620,564 to $758,804, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
Chriss was a solid contributor off the bench for the Warriors, averaging 9.0 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists in his last five games.
Chriss said he will look back at his short stint with the team fondly.
“It’s taught me a lot about myself, about what I’m capable of doing,” Chriss said. “Things happen for a reason. I think I’ve shown that I’m capable of a lot and that I belong where I am for a reason like I said, things happen and you just go with ’em.”
Despite waiving Chriss, the Warriors haven’t lost interest in him, according to Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area.
There is still a chance that Chriss could be back with the Warriors at some point, but there’s no guarantee that another team won’t pick him up as a free agent or even via a waiver claim.
The Warriors still have an open 15th roster spot which could also be used later in the season, possibly on current two-way player Ky Bowman.
