Marquese Chriss became a fan favorite over his season-and-a-half stint with the Warriors, but it appears he won't be given a chance to compete for the team's final roster spot in training camp. Chriss has agreed to a non-guaranteed contract with the Portland Trail Blazers, The Athletic's Shams Charania reported Friday citing league sources.
Chriss fractured his leg during a Warriors practice early in the 2020-21 season, and wasn't able to return to the court. At the NBA trade deadline, Chriss was dealt to the San Antonio Spurs for the draft rights to 2015 second-round draft pick Cady Lalanne. Chriss subsequently was waived by San Antonio shortly after to free up a roster spot for Gorgui Dieng.
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The former top-10 pick would have been a critical part of the Warriors' frontcourt rotation last season, especially as James Wiseman and Kevon Looney's injury woes forced Draymond Green to log heavy minutes at center.
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There was hope among Dub Nation that Chriss would re-sign with the Warriors in free agency after the league year turned over, but the organization so far has opted to preserve that final roster spot.
There will be ample competition for Chriss to earn minutes with the Blazers, as Larry Nance Jr. and Robert Covington look locked in at power forward, while Jusuf Nurkic and Cody Zeller should get the lion's share of playing time at center.
Golden State Warriors
Chriss was well-regarded within the organization and will always be appreciated for his contributions during the last few difficult years for the Warriors. Perhaps we will see Chriss matching up with Wiseman or Looney in the post next season when the Warriors and Trail Blazers match up.