If we didn't learn anything from 2019, we learned some sacrifices hurt to the core despite the overall pros behind them. Possibly the example of hard sacrifices was the death of the world-renowned hero Natasha Romanoff. To save her country-- and the rest of the world-- from the effects of a tyrant, Romanoff had to retrieve one of the essential components needed to create a secret weapon that ultimately saved the world.

Okay, that may have been a movie, but the point stands. And that point seems to have spilled into 2020. 

After becoming a fan favorite, providing flashy posters, and much needed interior defense, the Warriors made the tough decision to waive Marquese Chriss to free up a roster spot for Damion Lee. The choice has little to do with his play, and more to do with Golden State's salary-cap situation. At the moment, the Warriors are hard-capped, and Chriss' non-guaranteed deal needed to be moved to place two-way guard Damion Lee on the roster. 

That choice still comes at the price of many Warriors players who had grown to look at Chriss as a brother, the fans who considered Chriss as a critical piece to next year's roster, and Chriss, who is now out of a job.

"We had a conversation a few days ago it was a possibility, so I was kind of already aware that it might happen," Chriss told NBC Bay Area. "I kind of understood they were in a tough predicament and had to make a business decision."

It's a decision the Warriors had to make in the short term, and Chriss could resign with them later in the year if he clears waivers, considering he had been playing well, including coming up with three double-doubles in December.

"They said it's been a tough decision," Chriss told The Athletic Bay Area minutes after learning of his release. "It is what it is. I've accomplished a lot. I've shown what I'm capable of. I've shown I belong. People make business decisions."

Chriss also understands the possibility of a reunion with the Warriors down the line and the reality that there are 29 other teams out there.

"We've had conversations about certain things to try and make things work, but I think that's something that I would try to keep between myself and them, just because I don't know any situation that might come up," Chriss said. "But who knows? I would like to be here. So eventually, if that happens, I would be all for it."

Chriss' current reality is a part of the NBA that sometimes takes the fun out of it all because it reminds us that the game-- no matter how much we romanticize it-- is still a business. But the business aspect again doesn't take away from the people aspect.

Four months ago, the former first-round pick came to the Bay Area, kind of as a journey-man, battling a reputation of immaturity and poor overall seasons. After signing a veteran's minimum deal, he earned the team's final roster spot--making the Warriors let go of vet Alfonzo McKinnie-- becoming a frontcourt contributor for the battered Warriors. 

The could've been comeback story of Chriss coming short was not the only bittersweet feeling last night when the news broke. Last night's location of Monday's decision held significance for Chriss, as the Golden 1 Center, the home of the Sacramento Kings, sits just 14 miles from the Sacramento suburb Elk Grove, where the forward starred at Pleasant Grove High School. 

It also marked the same place Chriss stood the last time his career was at a crossroads -- when he was traded from the Houston Rockets to the Cavaliers during a Sacramento road trip -- serving yet another reminder of the business he inhabits. 

"I mean, it sucked," Chriss told NBC Sports Bay Area. "It was full circle, but I think it makes it a little easier. I was able to see my family and take my mind off it."  

The Warriors have depth on the front line with Draymond Green, Glenn Robinson III, Willie Cauley-Stein, Omari Spellman, Eric Paschall, and Alen Smailagic, so Chriss - the only one on a non-guaranteed contract - was the odd man out.

But despite Chriss being the sacrifice that may bring the soul stone of more wins to the Bay, his stint in Golden state did change the basketball world's perception of Chriss.

"I texted Bob yesterday, and I just told him I appreciated him because pretty much the whole summer, I was on the outside looking in," Chriss told NBC Bay Area. "I had certain opportunities and certain places I could go to try and do the same things I did here, but I felt like coming here was the best opportunity for me, and they put me in an opportunity to succeed from day one. I think just being here; it created a different narrative for myself."