The Dallas Mavericks’ Marquese Chriss Dilemma

The Dallas Mavericks will play the Memphis Grizzles in a basketball game on January 14, 2022. The photo was taken by Brandon Dill.

The Associated Press.

There is a problem with the Dallas Mavericks. Chriss joined the team on a 10-day Covid-19 hardship exemption contract on December 21. Chriss was signed to two more 10-day contracts by the Mavericks, the most recent coming on January 10.
Chriss is the odd man out as Kristaps Porzingis makes his return from health and safety protocols. He can stay on the roster and ride out the final days of his contract, but he must be inactive. The team will have to make a tough roster decision if Dallas is to retain Chriss.
Dallas has a full complement of players. There are 15 players under contract and one two-way player on the roster. One of their full-time players will have to be waived to add Chriss. Chriss does not fit the definition of a two-way contract.
The Mavs can release a potential player, such as Willie Cauley-Stein. The Mavericks owe just over $1 million on the contract. He hasn't played in a game in over a year. Dallas has personal reasons for listing him out. There is no timetable for his return.
It may seem like he is the most likely player to be cut, but his salary complicates matters. The Mavericks may be looking to make a move before the NBA trade deadline. If Dallas swings for the fences to land a star, the $4.1 million in cap space that Cauley-Stein has could go a long way in helping match salaries.
Chriss is making over $111,000 a day. The Mavericks can offer him a veteran's minimum deal if a roster spot opens. Chriss would make $2.08 million if he had six years of NBA experience.
Chriss has averaged 6.8 points and 3.8 rebound per game in 12 games with the Mavericks. Chriss scored 15 points while shooting six for seven on field goals in his most recent appearance. He had an assist.
Chriss has a 10-day contract.