NBA Rumors: Knicks an Option for Chandler Parsons
The New York Knicks are reportedly in play for 2016 free agent Chandler Parsons. Is he a realistically attainable target?
Chandler Parsons is one of the more inspiring success stories in recent NBA history. Despite falling into the second round of the 2011 NBA Draft, he’s carved out a reputation as one of the better and more highly paid players at his position.
A pending unrestricted free agent whose game fits the modern NBA, Parsons is expected to be a top target for a number of teams this coming summer.
Parsons’ value has been clouded by a season that’s been equal parts intriguing and underwhelming. That includes a recent stretch during which he’s restored his reputation as one of the more valuable small forwards in the Association.
According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN, the New York Knicks are expected to be one of Parsons’ primary suitors in free agency.
"The list of teams interested in Parsons will be long, with sources expecting theMiami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets and Magic to be among Parsons’ suitors. If Durant leaves Oklahoma City, add the Thunder to the list, with a potential reunion with Parsons’ coach at Florida, Billy Donovan."
The question is, is Parsons the type of player Phil Jackson and the Knicks should pursue?
Per MacMahon, Parsons is expected to command a max contract this coming summer. He can receive a maximum of $96 million over four seasons via the Dallas Mavericks, and will be eligible for a contract worth roughly $92 million over the same span via other teams with cap space.
After starting the season at a painfully slow pace, Parsons has turned it up a notch during a redeeming past two months.
Parsons averaged just 9.2 points per game during the first two months of the season. He went on to average 16.1 points on a slash line of .510/.438/.680 in January, and posted 18.8 points per game on efficient shooting marks of .523/.480/.848 in February.
Parsons, who has eclipsed 20 points in nine of his past 17 appearances, is proving that he can be a valuable player. It simply cannot be ignored that he’d call the structure of New York’s roster into question were he to sign with the Knicks.
Carmelo Anthony has proven capable of playing power forward, and Kristaps Porzingis is believed to have a long-term future at center. The hurdle in developing that type of lineup is that center Robin Lopez is concluding the first season of a four-year, $54 million contract.
To have two max players at one position, and both a future star and a high-paid asset at another, would create a significant rotational issue.
Should Parsons prove available for a more affordable price, the Knicks would likely be more inclined to make an offer. Due to the fact that he’s expected to command a salary of more than $20 million, however, New York will be forced to address budgetary issues.
There’s no telling if the Knicks will make an offer, but if MacMahon’s report proves anything, it’s that Phil Jackson is aiming for the best available talent.