Spurs: What can we expect to see from Marquese Chriss?

After all the talk that the San Antonio Spurs never make any in-season trades, they finally made one on Thursday — sort of. Although it didn’t involve anyone currently on the roster, San Antonio dealt their rights to Cady Lalanne to the Golden State Warriors for 6-9 power forward Marquese Chriss.

The trade was certainly underwhelming when you consider that the Spurs had several players on the market and other teams made numerous moves. I can understand the frustrated fans that wanted to see action for the sake of seeing action, but the bottom line is San Antonio’s contracts were difficult to negotiate.

With the deadline now passed, the Spurs will be one of the richest teams in the league when it comes to spending this offseason. As they’ve done in the past, the front office will be relied upon to continue to draft well while also developing their young core of talent.

As far as Thursday’s move, what should we expect from the acquisition of Marquese?

Will Marquese Chriss have an impact on the San Antonio Spurs?

In short, the answer is no. Chriss underwent successful surgery to repair a broken right fibula on December 31st, meaning he’ll be out for the rest of this season. He’ll still be receiving the rest of his $1.8 salary but will be a free agent this season.

It’s too early to know what the Spurs have planned for the 23-year-old, who’s had some impressive highlight plays in the past.

https://twitter.com/BR_NBA/status/1184662818253168640?s=20

One thing to note, Chriss played alongside Dejounte Murray at Washington in 2015-16, so they still share a bond. However, the Spurs will have plenty to work with this offseason to fill their much-needed slot of an athletic big.

The crux of this trade may have been Gregg Popovich doing Steve Kerr a solid by getting his Warriors under the luxury tax with the deal.

Chriss goes with cash to Spurs, which saves Warriors on luxury tax for an injured player.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2021

Chriss has been a serviceable big man in the past, averaging 9.3 points and 6.2 rebounds last season, but I wouldn’t expect much to come from this trade in terms of true impact on the team.