Chandler Parsons is preparing to be very popular this summer. The forward has raised his value with the Dallas Mavericks, and now he will head into free agency ready to capitalize on his worth. Plenty of teams will be lining up to acquire Parsons especially those that miss out on Kevin Durant. The soon-to-be free agent made it clear that his options are open, including a return to the Houston Rockets.
Parsons has been with Dallas and could easily re-sign a max contract with the team. This summer the Mavericks can offer a four-year, $96 million contract while other teams can only give Parsons a $92 million deal. That means the forward will explore his options which could include a return to Houston where he spent the first three years of his career.
"Houston was home for me for three years. 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," Parsons said.
Parsons was supposed to be part of the core group in Houston. However, the team wanted to make big additions back in 2014 which meant they opted not to retain the forward in free agency. Parsons had once said he was offended by the process, but those feelings have apparently changed. Now as Houston looks to rebuild this offseason, Parsons could be part of the team picture.
Parsons might want to return to Houston, but it is unclear if the feeling is mutual. Right now, the forward would be Plan B for the Rockets as Plan A is Durant. The Rockets are hopeful they stand a chance at winning the sweepstakes for the former MVP considering Durant's friendship with James Harden. With Dwight Howard heading off into free agency, Houston will have the cap space to ink Durant. That could mean Parsons is on the outside looking in.
Several teams are viewing Parsons as their second choice. The New York Knicks are showing interest in the forward, but only if players like DeMar DeRozan, Durant and even Al Horford are not available. The Knicks will try and rebuild after the disasters of this season. Carmelo Anthony is prepared to play a major role in that effort as he will recruit big names. With players like Derrick Williams and potentially Arron Afflalo heading out, there is room for Parsons. However, with Kristaps Porzingis looking like a franchise player, the Knicks could prioritize other positions first.
"If we want this team to be better, if we want more pieces of this team, I don't have a choice but to go out there and do my job and try to get people to come," Anthony said. "And for them to see it from my perspective [more] than anybody else's perspective - see it from a player's perspective."
