Golden State Warriors: B

From the Warriors' perspective, these moves are primarily about mitigating their luxury-tax bill. Golden State was looking at a tax bill of $137 million before the NBA applies a reduction based on how much the league's basketball-related income falls short of pre-pandemic projections.

Because the Warriors are so deep into the tax, shedding $4-plus million in salary would translate into nearly a $20 million decrease in the tax bill before the reduction. My ESPN colleague Bobby Marks projects the ultimate cash savings around $11 million. That's considerable given Wanamaker had fallen out of the rotation since the All-Star break in favor of rookie Nico Mannion and Chriss might not return this season from a syndesmosis ankle injury with a fibular fracture.

With two open roster spots, at least one of which must be filled soon, Golden State might promote Mannion from his two-way contract to a full NBA version. That would then allow the Warriors to sign a third point guard on a two-way deal.

Charlotte Hornets: B+

I mentioned Wanamaker as a possible option for the Hornets on Sunday when the team first announced that LaMelo Ball had suffered a wrist fracture. Because Charlotte had $4 million in cap space, the team was able to add Wanamaker without sending back any salary in return to fill an open roster spot.

Wanamaker should fit better with the Hornets, who have more playmaking from the wing with Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier. That can allow Wanamaker to focus on playing tough defense and knocking down open 3s as he did during a strong 2019-20 season with the Boston Celtics before struggling in Golden State.

San Antonio Spurs: B

This is strictly a monetary move for the Spurs, who could take on Chriss' salary because he's on a deal that fits in the minimum exception. Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters last week that Chriss was "starting to get on the court" but remains a long way from returning to game action after undergoing ankle surgery in late December.

In return, San Antonio sent back the rights to 2015 second-round pick Cady Lalanne, who has spent the past two years playing in the Korean KBL and is not an NBA prospect.