Shawn Marion rumors: Only wants to play for contender

The Dallas Mavericks told Shawn Marion that they wanted him to return and hoped he’d be willing to take a lesser role with the organization after they signed Chandler Parsons. Understandably, Marion wasn’t interested as not only would his floor time be reduced, so would his contract.

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Looking for greener pastures, Shawn Marion came across both the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers – two teams that when healthy would likely compete for the Eastern Conference crown (along with the Chicago Bulls). Of course, both teams aren’t healthy as the Pacers are without Paul George, though that opens up a significant amount of playing time for Marion if he was to sign with the Pacers.

It’s certainly an intriguing thought but according to Brian Windhorst, Marion only wants to play for a contender.

With Paul George in the mix, the Indiana Pacers are among the top teams in the NBA. Without, they may struggle to make the postseason in the top-heavy Eastern Conference. Given that, it seems to suggest the Cleveland Cavaliers are a more likely destination though Indiana does have the lure of not only playing time but money.

In the end, it’s going to come down to playing time and cash against the opportunity for a ring, assuming the two franchises are pitted against each other.

There are also other opportunities out there for Shawn Marion as he’s been linked to a handful of teams, though as of right now both the Cavs and Pacers seem to be the teams with the most interest in The Matrix.