The Portland Trail Blazers and the Memphis Grizzlies are the two frontrunners to sign free agent Chandler Parsons, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN.
Parsons met with the Trail Blazers Friday morning in Los Angeles and was offered a maximum contract worth $94.8 million over four years, per MacMahon. The Grizzlies are also expected to make a max offer in a meeting with Parsons set for Friday, sources told ESPN’s Marc Stein.
MacMahon writes there is “no chance” of Parsons re-signing with the Dallas Mavericks after the team made it clear they had no intention of offering a max contract to the 27-year-old small forward, who has had the last two seasons cut short by knee injuries.
Parsons averaged 13.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 61 games last season, and he put himself in good company with his shooting.
Only 3 qualified players shot > 49% from the floor & > 41% from 3PT territory last season: Steph Curry, Kawhi Leonard and…Chandler Parsons
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) June 30, 2016
Parsons, when healthy, has proven he can have an impact on the court with his perimeter shooting and playmaking ability. He’s also shown he can play both forward positions.
One other thing that might sway Parsons in his decision: The Trail Blazers are reportedly planning to go after Parson’s old teammate in Houston, Dwight Howard. We’ll see if that sweetens the deal.