Whenever Chandler Parsons returned to the Amway Center, whether it was with the Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks or even the Florida Gators, it was always a little bit special. His family and friends would pack the stands and Parsons would be the object of attention from the local media.
That attention could increase as the Chandler Parsons is likely to decline a player option and become a free agent. And the feeling among the Mavericks, according to Time MacMahon of ESPN.com, is the Magic will be one of the teams coming hard after Parsons.
Those close to the situation consider his hometown Magic to be the biggest threat to steal Parsons from the Mavs. With its pre-deadline dealing, Orlando cleared enough cap space to sign two players to max contracts. Sources anticipate that the Magic will aggressively pursue Parsons.
Parsons was born in Casselberry and went to Lake Howell High School before attending Florida. He was a second round pick and made his name in Houston as a versatile, athletic small forward who could hit jumpers. He inked a three-year deal off his second-round salary with the Mavericks two years ago.
The Magic, of course, have cleared enough cap room to sign possibly two max players. And Parsons will surely receive a max contract in a relatively weak free agent class.
Orlando will not be the only team to be going after Parsons either. He very well may have his pick of which NBA team he wants to play for and which role he wants to fill in the NBA moving forward. The team that can make him a featured player very well might end up signing him.
The Magic are certainly in need of some help at small forward, needing a bit more size at that position with Evan Fournier currently holding down the small forward. The Magic have a lot of options.
The marketing appeal though of having Parsons back home is certainly an interesting one. Parsons grew up a Magic fan during the Shaquille O’Neal and Anfernee Hardaway days. There is definitely a fit there.
There is no guarantee Parsons leaves Dallas. He has a good situation there as part of a team that is still competing for a Playoff spot and could offer him a little bit more in terms of role when Dirk Nowitzki retires. And, as mentioned, Parsons will have the run of the league if he wants it.
The world is certainly Parsons’ oyster at the moment.
