The Minnesota Timberwolves like Chandler Parsons and a trade with Kevin Love and the Houston Rockets could be an option for the teams if Carmelo Anthony doesn't sign in Texas and a deal could involve Ricky Rubio at some point down the line if the Wolves opt for a major deal with the Rockets, Chicago Bulls or Boston Celtics.
Parsons is one of the most attractive free agents on the market and he is a restricted free agent after the Houston Rockets declined his player option. According to Pro Basketball Talk, the Timberwolves are interested in Parsons in a sign and trade deal, but any movement on that would depend on what happens with Carmelo Anthony and also the status of the trade talks with Kevin Love for Klay Thompson to the Golden State Warriors. The news was first reported by Yahoo Sports and Marc Spears writes that the Wolves could look at a deal for Parsons with Love if Anthony opts to re-sign with the Knicks over joining the Lakers, Rockets, Mavericks or Bulls.
Parsons is coming off of his best all-around season in 2013-14, as he averaged over 16 points with five rebounds and four assists per game and he also was strong shooting the ball, going for over 35 percent from three-point range. Parsons is a former second round pick and that is one reason why the Rockets want to keep him, but if they sign Anthony it could be tough keeping James Harden, Dwight Howard and Parsons.
Carmelo Anthony is a huge factor in what the Timberwolves do and what happens with Love and Chandler Parsons. Anthony in a way is the biggest domino to fall in free agency, as whatever teams miss out on him will be scrambling to work on other deals. The Knicks still appear to be the favorites for signing back Anthony, but the Chicago Bulls and Houston Rockets are realistic options along with the Lakers, as all three had the chance to meet with him and so did the Mavericks. Parsons could be a prize for a number of teams and if the Wolves opt to trade Love, getting Parsons could be a nice option for the team.
Anthony has a major decision to make and if he stays in New York, Parsons could start receiving some massive attention, as he already is a target for the Lakers, Bulls and Celtics before Anthony or Love's situation is settled. Parsons is a very interesting player to look at, as he has great offensive skills and has been a better defender than when he first came into the league and since he is a restricted free agent, it could be tough for the Rockets to hang onto him.
Kevin Love has been the center of attention when it comes to trade talks this offseason and while it appears obvious that the Timberwolves will trade him at some point, right now no team is a the front runner after the way the Warriors deal talks broke down. It appeared that Golden State was on the cusp of pulling off a deal for Love, but things broke down within the Warriors organization, as they were split on sending Klay Thompson in the deal.
