Over the past few weeks, Chandler Parsons has heard his name pop up in several trade rumors. After the Houston Rockets disappointing end to the season, the team is ready to make offseason moves that could cause some creative roster adjustments. Parsons is at risk of drawing the short stick during free agency, something he hopes does not happen.
Parsons contract is very team friendly, only adding to the speculation of his future in Houston. The Rockets have a $964,000 qualifying offer on the forward for next season. That suggests that he could easily remain with the team, but Parsons also wants a raise. Parsons claims he just wants to be with a winning team and that includes remaining with the Rockets, at least through his contract.
"It doesn't matter to me," Parsons said, via the Houston Chronicle. "The biggest thing for me is to win. When you win, you get whatever you want. We had a chance to do that this year and didn't do it. Restricted, unrestricted, it doesn't really matter to me. I just want to be in a good situation. I want to be on a winning team. And I think that can happen here. I'm not trying to go anywhere else. Obviously, I have to do what's best for my career, but I love it here."
The issue is that the Rockets are eyeing a few trade deals this offseason and would have to include Parsons in them. Both Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik are available for dealing once again thanks to their inflated contracts. However, due to their high salaries, no team is willing to take on just one player, they want some else in return. That is where Parsons comes in.
According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Rockets are expected to call the Boston Celtics about a trade regarding either Lin, Asik or both players in exchange for Rajon Rondo. Stein reports that the Celtics will not just engage in a simple player swap and want Parsons thrown into the trade package as well. The New York Knicks are in the same boat as Houston targets Carmelo Anthony. No one will take on just one of those players alone. Parsons is required.
The Rockets will likely at least attempt to discuss a new contract for the forward. If they fail to get a deal done this year, they risk losing Parsons for nothing next season. Putting him up for a trade now when many people could be disappointed in the lack of availability of Kevin Love would be the wise thing even though his departure would be a blow to the team's offense.
