When the Houston Rockets decided that they were going to decline the option on forward Chandler Parson’s final season, it surprised many.
However, declining the option will make Parsons a restricted free agent, meaning if Parsons signs an offer sheet with another team, they can match the offer and retain him. The Rockets could also sign a free agent, then go over the cap to keep Parsons.
On team that may be able to sign Parsons and still have room to add a max player next season is the Los Angeles Lakers. They could then perhaps keep Pau Gasol, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent and be ready to return to the postseason in 2016. However, Bill Ingram of Basketball Insiders believes Parsons will have to sign an offer sheet worth at least $12 million per season for the Rockets not to match.
I actually asked a GM friend of mine that question recently, and he said he feels Parsons is probably a $10 million per season talent, but that you would have to offer him $12 million per season to get him away from Houston. I don’t think the Lakers get him for the offer you suggest, but you’re on the right track. Of course, that assumes the Lakers are starting to think about contingency plans, and that isn’t Jim Buss’ strong suit. He’s planning to swing for the fences on multiple fronts.
Parsons averaged 16.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 47.2% from the field, 37.0% from beyond the arc and 74.2% from the free throw this season.
