Report: Chandler Parsons declines opt-in, becomes unrestricted free agent
The Mavericks swing man will be a source of dissent this summer.
By
Matt Moore
•
1 min read
Chandler Parsons is quietly one of the most fascinating free agent targets this summer. The Mavericks forward had to return from "minor microfracture" surgery, took nearly the whole year to get his groove back, then played phenomenal, incredible basketball for about four weeks, then suffered another season-ending injury.
With that upside and those concerns, it makes for a brutal debate over exactly what his value is. One thing is for sure, though, he's going to have a chance to set his own value as ESPN reports that Parsons has elected not to enact his player option for the 2016-2017 season, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Chandler Parsons will follow through on his plans to become a free agent despite Mavs owner Mark Cuban's attempts to convince Parsons to opt in for the final season of his three-year, $46 million contract, sources told ESPN.com. With the salary cap spiking to a projected $94 million this summer, Parsons' camp expects him to receive a significant raise in free agency.
Source: ESPN: The Worldwide Leader in Sports.
Doesn't everyone?
Parsons hits the free agency market with his good buddy Dwight Howard, who also opted out Tuesday, and the two could wind up together in Dallas or Orlando depending on where they want to go. Parsons is a versatile forward who can rebound, make shots, and pass out of the pick and roll. His defense improves each season and he's well liked by teammates.
There's a lot of reasons for teams to pursue him. Even the Golden State Warriors, should they decide that Harrison Barnes' inevitably huge contract offer is too rich for their blood, should take a look at Parsons.
Parsons made $15.4 million this season and was scheduled for $16 million next year. Those salaries are now in the range of "slightly above average" given the influx of money this summer. Buckle up, this summer's going to be wild, and Parsons will definitely have a hand in it.
