Report: Chandler Parsons has four teams on his free agency list
Free agent star has a lot of choices, and likes the Lakers among other teams
By
Matt Moore
•
1 min read
Chandler Parsons is not going back to Dallas.
The Mavericks forward is done in the Big D and will be looking for a new home at midnight Thursday as an unrestricted free agent. Now Howard Beck of Bleacher Report reports that Parsons' list of teams he's interested in includes the Blazers (who he's set to meet with soon), and three other teams.
Chandler Parsons is eyeing Lakers, Blazers, Grizz and Magic, per league source, and aiming for close to max money. Not going back to DAL.
— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) July 1, 2016
It's an interesting list. Let's go a little deeper on each:
- Los Angeles Lakers: He gets a ridiculous amount of money, gets to play the older, more experienced player, much like Matthew McConaughey in "Dazed and Confused." It's not a bad fit, even if it's a little weird given Brandon Ingram's presence. Parsons would fit perfectly with the Lakers' lifestyle, and his versatility would help a lot. It's still kind of odd from a basketball perspective, though.
- Blazers: This is seamless. A playoff team on the rise with a core of players closer to Parsons' age. A market that will adore him and a system that will make the most of his talents on both ends of the floor. Parsons gives the Blazers a third shot creator and weapon on the wing who is an upgrade over their restricted free agency options like Alan Crabbe and Mo Harkless.
- Grizzlies: Memphis could definitely use a player like Parsons to create and make shots on the wing, he fits all of their needs perfectly and would give them a boost in the Western Conference. To make room for his contract, however, they might have to trade one of the core pieces, and even then, Parsons may want a "cooler" team to join, even if Memphis gives him a chance at playoff contention annually over the next three to four years if Mike Conley re-signs.
- Magic: It's Florida, which he knows from college, and they'll offer a lot of money, which is good. They have money to burn and a good roster of young players. This may not seem like an obvious fit, but it actually works pretty well. He would be the guy in Orlando, and that's a rare situation.
One thing is clear: Parsons' injury history is not going to hurt his free agency options. He's a hot commodity.
