Chandler Parsons could return to Rockets despite contract decline
By Bryan Rose
On Tuesday night, news broke across NBA wires stating that the Houston Rockets were going to decline their $964,000 dollar team option on forward Chandler Parsons.
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It was a move that initially shocked many, though after figuring out the scenario, it was a well calculated ‘risk’ on the part of the Rockets.
Sure, Houston could have kept Parsons on the books for the upcoming season at an extremely valuable contract, but that would have irritated the former Florida Gator who has already stated a desire for a much deserved raise.
Parsons, entering a contract year, would be a true free agent at season end had the Rockets exercised their team option, allowing Parsons to leave for the highest bidder at the conclusion of the 2014-15 season.
By declining Parson’s option, the Rockets did two things. First off, they’re giving their forward the opportunity to get paid like he so desires. But more importantly, he’s now a restricted free agent meaning the Rockets will have the opportunity to match any contract he receives from an opposing team.
Will they? That remains to be seen as we don’t know how the offseason will play out. Might the Rockets be in the chase for Carmelo Anthony? In that scenario, the Rockets don’t have a need for Parsons and could attempt to sign and trade him for other assets.
Or, it’s completely possible that Houston will re-sign Parsons (either by matching or on their own accord) at a higher salary in effort to make their player happy.
Whatever the case may be, the Rockets had a strategic reasoning behind the move and declining the option in no way suggests Parson’s time in Houston is over.