NBA Rumors: Warriors Renew Ties With Former Top Pick Chriss

KEY POINTS

Warriors will re-sign Chriss to a two-way deal
Chriss looms as an integral piece of the rebuilding Warriors
Damion Lee move gave Dubs more flexibility

After getting waived to make room for Damion Lee, it appears that Marquese Chriss will be reuniting with the Golden State Warriors soon. If it becomes official, the Dubs would hold true to their promise of previously saying that the former 8th overall pick would be back in the Bay Area.

As mentioned in a previous post, the Warriors did not part with Chriss because they were losing interest in him. It was just that they were running out of time on the two-way deal of Lee and Ky Bowman and had to make a move. With all that settled, it appears the Dubs are picking up the pieces and trying to find ways to get Chriss back in the lineup.

According to Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area, the Warriors were very interested in keeping Chriss beyond the 2019-20 season. The probable reason behind that is that Golden State saw promise in the 22-year-old cager who seemed to fit in perfectly with the system of head coach Steve Kerr.

Hence, the Damion Lee move is turning out to be just one of many things that the Warriors could do to get added flexibility. One of the moves the Dubs can now do is convert the 6-foot-9 a multi-year deal. This season, Chriss has played in 37 games averaging 7.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists. These are slightly better than his career averages. Considering he is only 22, the Californian native could improve these numbers with continued guidance.

Also, Chriss could be another sputtering player who could shine with the Dubs. The Warriors are no strangers to taking in players who seemed stuck in limbo in the past. Among the names include Shaun Livingston, someone who found a home with the Warriors. Chriss could do the same after seeming getting lost when he left the Phoenix Suns.

Chriss' contributions may not be that significant for now with the Dubs technically out of the NBA playoff race. However, things could change starting next season when the Warriors get their old hands back.

Klay Thompson is not expected to play this season while Stephen Curry remains sidelined. Draymond Green and D'Angelo Russel have had their share of health issues, factors that have gone heavily against the six-time NBA champions.