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NBA Free Agency Rumors: Blazers want Dwight Howard, Chandler Parsons

By Tom West

Aug 12, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Team USA center Dwight Howard (left) with forward Chandler Parsons during the second day of the USA men's basketball national team minicamp at Mendenhall Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Team USA center Dwight Howard (left) with forward Chandler Parsons during the second day of the USA men's basketball national team minicamp at Mendenhall Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Portland Trail Blazers have plenty of cap space to spend in NBA free agency, and are reportedly hoping to sign both Dwight Howard and Chandler Parsons.

Dwight Howard wants a max contract. Chandler Parsons wants a max contract. In today’s market with the NBA salary cap soaring to $94 million, they’ll most likely get their wish, although many will dispute whether they truly deserve that kind of money. Regardless of such arguments, the Portland Trail Blazers reportedly hope to sign both of them.

Jason Quick of CSNNW has reported Portland’s plan.

Yes, this would cause a surge of hate from those with quick Twitter fingers who are raring to insult the teams that splash out on such players. With Parsons coming off multiple knee injuries over the last couple of seasons and Howard being on a decline both in terms of reputation after playing in L.A. and Houston and his age (he’s had his own health issues in the past, too), it’s easy to make an argument that neither are quite worth a max before even considering their performance.

However, with limited top players available and teams like the Blazers ready to spend (they have more than $40 million in cap space), Parsons and Howard would be quite the duo to bring in.

Parsons provides great spacing and scoring to help the backcourt of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, not to mention offering added versatility to space the floor as a small-ball power forward. Meanwhile, to bolster their already sound frontcourt rotation, Howard could provide a dangerous pick-and-roll threat for Lillard, solidify their rim protection, and add extra presence on the boards, too.

Yes, there are issues and these may not be the top players that the Blazers or their fans would like. Unfortunately for them, Hassan Whiteside, another top target of theirs, has agreed to re-sign with the Miami Heat. But you still shouldn’t be surprised if the Blazers pursue such a blockbuster pair of signings.

For more NBA free agency coverage, be sure to check out our NBA hub page.

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