The Dallas Mavericks signed forward Chandler Parsons to a $46 million contract back in 2014. When healthy, Parsons has proven to be a difference making player. However, his durability issues have made his future with the Mavs murky at best.
At 27, Parsons is still in the prime of his career, but right knee injuries have limited him over the past two seasons. In that time, he has missed 37 games and was under a minutes restriction this past year due to further knee troubles. It is expected that Parsons will opt out of his deal this offseason in order to hit the open market right as the NBA's salary cap spikes sky high. If so, the Mavericks should consider letting him leave if his asking price is too high.
After two consecutive knee surgeries, the Mavericks can't afford to spend wildly on someone who won't be able to suit up for them. Yes, squeezing as much as they can out of Dirk Nowitzki's remaining years should be a priority. But how good can the team be with a hobbled Parsons in and out of the lineup? He's currently earning an average of $15.361 million per year. That number could very well jump to $20-plus million this summer. Is Parsons really worth that amount?
If the Mavs do want to bring back Parsons -- who, again, has played well when healthy -- it would be wise for them to include some injury-protection language in his contract, especially regarding his balky knee. The problem with that strategy is with so much available salary cap space, there will be desperate teams who are willing to overlook Parson's injury woes and offer him a near max contract for his services.
Dallas is expected to have roughly $26 million in salary cap space this offseason. Despite making the playoffs this season, the Mavs are not one player away from contention. Being suckered into a bidding war for Parsons won't end well. With few home grown young talents to build around, Dallas needs to be smart with their money right now. That may mean allowing Parsons and his well-rounded game to leave town.
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby
