Rockets player agrees with team decision to let Chandler Parsons walk

The rivalry between the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets has grown exponentially over the last few weeks. Since Chandler Parson’s move to the Mavericks, the tension between he and his former teammates–based on comments–would be enough to cut through a sheet of butter. Dwight Howard made comments that seemed to be a shot at Parsons. The same with James Harden which jumpstarted this miniature controversy.

Now another former teammate of Parsons–power forward Donata Motiejunas–has something to say on the matter, agreeing with the teams decision to let the fourth year forward walk on a four year deal to the Dallas Mavericks.

“He’s a good player, but would it be logical for management to pay him more than Harden?” – Donatas Motiejunas 

Donatas–or Donuts as the NBA blogosphere calls him–raises a solid point. If this last week has shown us anything, it’s that James Harden, like Chandler Parsons, thinks highly of himself. With Parsons and Trevor Ariza being similar players, it’s likely that Harden believes Parsons was a role player, so how would it sit with the ‘franchise cornerstone’ when he and a ‘role player’ are making a nearly-identical salary?

It’s an interesting dynamic–possibly one that could’ve caused friction within the Rockets lockerroom. If forced to draw something from this past week, it’s that the Rockets players don’t see much of a difference in Trevor Ariza and Chandler Parsons. If the talent gap was wider, playing in Parson’s favor, the conversation would likely be different, showing remorse in Parsons’ absence.

Instead, things have been different–the opposite of what’s usually the norm in the NBA.