Chandler Parsons To Leave Grizzlies Indefinitely

JANUARY 7, 7:26pm: In a statement to Wojnarowski, Parsons expressed regret that he wasn’t able to finish out the 2018/19 season with the Grizzlies. According to Wojnarowski, the veteran forward wanted to keep practicing with the team, even if he wasn’t being activated for games, but the Grizz preferred to have him leave the club until a resolution can be reached.

“I am extremely disappointed that I didn’t get to finish this season alongside my teammates and the Memphis coaching staff,” Parsons told ESPN. “Unfortunately that option wasn’t presented to me.

“The Grizzlies training staff medically cleared me to play 5-on-5 in mid-December and I have been practicing with the team ever since. I will continue to work out and train until my agent and the team reach a resolution. I am ready to play and committed to getting back on the court.”

JANUARY 6, 3:58pm: Grizzlies forward Chandler Parsons will leave the team indefinitely as the two sides work to structure a resolution on his future, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports. Parsons and team management agreed to the separation on Sunday, with the 30-year-old failing to see any playing time.

The Grizzlies still owe Parsons $38MM, which includes his 2019/20 salary of $25.1MM.

According to Wojnarowski and ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, the Grizzlies and Parsons’ representation will work to find a trade for Parsons. So far, the Grizzlies have not been willing to include a first-round draft pick in such a trade, but they are willing to take on a longer contract in return for Parsons.

Reports indicate that the final disagreement between the two sides was regarding the possibility of a G League assignment for Parsons. According to Wojnarowski, Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace wanted Parsons to play in a couple of games with the Memphis Hustle before he would decide on returning the veteran to the active roster.

While Parsons was willing to play in the G League, he wanted a clearer timetable regarding his return to Memphis’ active roster.

Parsons has not played since exiting the Grizzlies’ third game of the season because of soreness in his right knee.

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