Rumors: Mavericks to keep Theo Pinson: Looking for a way to retain Marquese Chriss

The Dallas Mavericks have been hit hard by COVID-19 in recent weeks. It felt like a new player entered the health and safety protocols every day, and they are still without head coach Jason Kidd and star Kristaps Porzingis. In total, the Mavericks have put 11 players on the COVID list, and they were forced to play multiple games with replacement players in their rotation.

Theo Pinson and Marquese Chriss were signed as fill-ins and have stood out. Chriss is a versatile big man that can defend multiple positions, and Pinson gives them a plug-and-play wing that can switch. Both were signed to multiple ten-day contracts, but they deserve to stick around long-term.

Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Mavs plan to sign Pinson to their open two-way contract. The 26-year-old will play in both Dallas and Frisco with the Texas Legends under his new deal. The front office is looking to keep both Pinson and Chriss, though.

Rumors: Dallas Mavericks want to keep Theo Pinson and Marquese Chriss

Chriss has outplayed Pinson, but he is not eligible for a two-way contract because he was played more than four years in the NBA. The 24-year-old needs a position on the team’s 15-man roster if he is going to stick in Dallas.

Marc Stein reported that the Mavs are trying to find a way to make it happen. The easiest move is releasing Willie Cauley-Stein or finding a trade partner for the big man. He is in the final year of his deal-making just over $4 million.

It was good to see the Dallas Mavericks front office use their open two-way spot on someone capable of playing NBA minutes right now. The organization wants to contend, and they need all the depth they can get. Will the front office find a way to keep Marquese Chriss? Stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest.