:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69026392/1230299498.0.jpg)
There were a lot of eyes on the Golden State Warriors as the NBA trade deadline approached, and they ended up making a pair of small moves at the buzzer. Most notable is that the team is trading injured center Marquese Chriss to the San Antonio Spurs.
Source: The Warriors are trading Marquese Chriss to the Spurs.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 25, 2021
The Warriors also sent back of the bench point guard Brad Wanamaker to the Charlotte Hornets, who were in need of point guard depth after star rookie LaMelo Ball suffered a wrist injury.
The Hornets are acquiring Golden State's Brad Wanamaker, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 25, 2021
There’s no word yet on what the Warriors are receiving from Hornets, but it’s likely just cash or a low second-round pick. Charlotte has the cap space to absorb Wanamaker without sending a player back to Golden State.
As for Chriss, the Warriors are receiving the rights to 2015 second-round pick Cady Lalanne, who is unlikely to ever play in the NBA, and is included strictly for logistical purposes. They are also sending cash to San Antonio.
The Golden Warriors are trading Marquese Chriss to the San Antonio Spurs for Cady Lalanne, league sources tell @YahooSports.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) March 25, 2021
Chriss goes with cash to Spurs, which saves Warriors on luxury tax for an injured player.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2021
With Chriss and Wanamaker traded, the Warriors now have two open roster spots, and plenty of options. They could use the spots to sign Juan Toscano-Anderson and/or Nico Mannion to a guaranteed deal, though there’s limited incentive to do that given the new two-way contract rules. They could sign a free agent, such as a buyout candidate or fan favorite Jeremy Lin. They could consider bringing Justinian Jessup over from the NBL. Or they could simply save the money, and move forward with the same team, since neither Chriss nor Wanamaker was playing.
As for fans who are sad to see Chriss go, it’s worth noting that he was unlikely to play again this season, and is approaching free agency. The Warriors could reunite with him this offseason if they choose.
But the big news of the day is the trade that didn’t happen: Kelly Oubre Jr. is staying put. The Warriors fielded offers on the wing, but ultimately didn’t make a deal. They’ll instead head into the offseason with him, and hope that they can re-sign him.
Per a source, Kelly Oubre Jr. will stick with the Warriors. Team didn't get any trade offers it loved.
— Connor Letourneau (@Con_Chron) March 25, 2021
And there you have it. Perhaps not the big move that some were hoping for, but an exciting deadline nonetheless.