MIAMI -- Smush Parker rejoined the Miami Heat on Friday, about a month after his confrontation with a female valet parking attendant.
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Parker missed his 17th straight game Friday night when the Heat hosted Orlando. A team spokesman said the point guard -- who has been on the inactive list -- was not coming to the game, and it isn't clear if Parker will ever actually play again for the Heat.
"It really has to do with the market," Heat coach Pat Riley said. "I'm going to be very honest with you. We've been trying to trade him. So if it doesn't work, he comes back and plays."
Parker's invitation back to Miami partly came from necessity. The Heat have a load of injury concerns, including ones involving point guards Jason Williams (left knee) and Chris Quinn (left ankle).
"I think everybody knows what the situation is," Riley said. "It wasn't going to work. And we were trying to trade him and that hasn't worked."
Parker earns about $27,000 a game and has been paid during his absence.
On Nov. 27, Parker was leaving a condo a few blocks from the arena and asked for his car. He told attendants he paid the $12 valet fee, plus tip, the night before.
Those at the valet stand in the morning had no record of payment. An argument ensued, Parker missed that night's game against Charlotte and has remained inactive since.
"It's time to reassess that whole thing," Riley said. "But it isn't today."
Under league rules, a team can essentially put players on the inactive list for any reason. The Heat have 15 players on the roster; only 12 may be in uniform for each game.
Parker has a $2.4 million player option for next season.
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