NBA Rumors: Houston Rockets want to keep Chandler Parsons

It looked like forward Chandler Parsons would be remaining with the Rockets for at least one more season because he had a very team friendly contract.

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Instead, the Rockets declined an option on the final year of Parsons’ contract, making him a restricted free agent, surprising many. It makes sense from a Rockets’ perspective since they will be chasing superstar free agents like Miami Heat forward LeBron James and New York Knicks’ forward Carmelo Anthony, but will still have the ultimate decision on whether or not they will keep Parsons.

According to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports, the Rockets ultimately want to retain Parsons but could also use him in a sign-and-trade to acquire one of the superstars they desire.

"The Rockets are interested in re-signing Parsons, league sources said, but his future could also be affected by what happens to Golden State Warriors forward Klay Thompson and New York Knicks free-agent forward Carmelo Anthony.The Minnesota Timberwolves are still interested in acquiring Thompson in a blockbuster trade that would send All-Star forward Kevin Love to the Warriors, a source said. But the T’wolves also have secondary interest in Parsons, the source said. If the Thompson trade doesn’t happen, the source said Minnesota could attempt a deal sending Love to the Rockets and acquire Parsons in a sign-and-trade. The Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls and Dallas Mavericks have primary interest in signing Anthony as a free agent, but also could chase Parsons if they don’t, a source said."

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.

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