Mavericks small forward Chandler Parsons is reportedly set to turn down his $16.023MM player option for next season with the salary cap moving sharply upward, and he’s expected to receive a maximum-salary contract in free agency this summer if he does so. Dallas remains the favorite to sign Parsons, but the versatile swingman is expected to entertain an aggressive pitch from the Magic, as well as receive interest from the Heat, Lakers, Nets, Knicks, Trail Blazers, Nuggets and Thunder, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com.
The Rockets, Parsons’ former team, are also potential suitors this offseason, and the forward didn’t rule out a potential return to Houston in a recent appearance on the “Channel 33” podcast. “Houston was home for me for three years,” Parsons said. “I definitely would never count that option out. I have great memories there. They have a great crowd, a great city to live in … I have nothing but respect and love for them. I would never count that out.” Losing Parsons would sting the Mavs, especially give the organization’s difficulties in landing top-tier free agents over the past few seasons, but losing him to an in-state rival would be akin to throwing salt in an open wound.
Parsons is in his fifth season, so he’ll be eligible for the lowest of the three maximum salary tiers, with a starting salary likely approaching $21MM. Dallas will have his Early Bird rights this summer, which means that the Mavs can only offer four years instead of the five that they could with full Bird rights. The team will still have the ability to give Parsons 7.5% raises instead of the 4.5% that the Magic and others will be limited to, which would mean a difference of approximately $4MM over the life of a four-year deal.
This brings me to the topic for today: Where will Chandler Parsons be playing next season?
Will he re-sign with the Mavericks, for whom he has become a big part of the team’s culture and has also taken on the role of free agent recruiter? If you don’t think he’ll re-sign with Dallas, which team would be the best fit for Parsons’ skills, and why? Take to the comments section to share your thoughts and opinions. We look forward to what you have to say.
He’s got a good thing going in Dallas. I think he stays put.
I hope he stays put in Dallas. Mark with throw him a max deal. Right now all the Mavs need to do is focus on a playoff berth. Love my Mavs, getting out of the first round is unlikely. Finish strong. That’s favorable for recruiting and keeping Parsons
Tough choice between the Blazers and Magic, but I’ll give the Blazers the edge. The allure of playing alongside Lilard and Mcolumn will be very hard to resist. On top of that, check out their cap situation. Easily enough for 2max + deals. Heck they might even have an outside shot in the Durant sweepstakes. There’s a TON of room for Portland to grow, and I’m certain they’ll get a big name player. Too much going right for them not to.
But for Mavs, honestly, Parsons isn’t coming back. There’s simply not enough young star caliber talent on that roster to attract a guy like Whiteside or Horford. Why would Parsons resign on a team that has been nothing short of mediocre since 2011? Dark days are ahead for Dallas
I’m not giving up hope on this team the Mavericks because I don’t trust Justin Anderson well enough to be our small forward. So you might need a LeBron James or a Kevin Durant after the season is over when Parsons walks