NBA Rumors: Orlando Magic Should Pursue Chandler Parsons In NBA Free Agency

The Orlando Magic have to be feeling good about the offseason that they have put together so far this year. They were able to acquire Serge Ibaka from the Oklahoma City Thunder in a blockbuster trade and they also upgraded by hiring Frank Vogel as their new head coach. It has vaulted Orlando to being a serious playoff contender, although they need to make another move or two in order to be viewed a contender by the entire league.

Looking ahead at the upcoming offseason, there is one free agent in particular that would make perfect sense for the Magic and would upgrade the small forward position which is a need for them.

Chandler Parsons is set to hit the unrestricted free agent market and there are a lot of teams that will have interest in him. Orlando should be one of the more aggressive teams immediately after free agency opens. They need an upgrade at the small forward position in a big way and there aren’t many better options than Parsons.

Last season with the Dallas Mavericks, Parsons ended up averaging 13.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. He shot 49.2 percent from the field overall and knocked down 41.4 percent of his three-point shots. Orlando would immediately become a more dangerous offensive team and Parsons would put up even bigger numbers with the larger role that he would have.

Evan Fournier is the Magic’s first priority when free agency opens up. They want to bring him back and will have every chance to do so as he is a restricted free agent. He will be the starting shooting guard once again next season and would make a dangerous three-point shooting duo with Parsons.

At just 27 years old, Parsons still has a lot of basketball left to play in his prime. Vogel would be able to use him as an offensive threat, but his defense is extremely underrated as well. He isn’t an elite perimeter defender, but he is athletic enough to stick with most small forwards in the league.

Orlando would be an intriguing landing spot for Parsons as well, as he was born in Florida and would be making somewhat of a homecoming with the Magic.

Dallas is going to pursue a new deal with Parsons and there are a number of other teams that will have interest as well. It won’t be easy for the Magic to bring in the talented small forward, but they have the means to make a serious push for him.

Parsons would be one of the last pieces to the puzzle of the Magic ‘s rebuilding process. It has been a long time since they were in a position to compete for a playoff spot, but they have stayed patient and are now ready to take that step. Being able to be a big piece in taking a franchise like the Magic back to the postseason could be intriguing for a free agent like Parsons.

All of that being said, it will be interesting to see what the upcoming offseason holds for Parsons. His name will be mentioned in a lot of rumors and he will have a choice between quite a few different teams.

Expect to see the Magic express interest in Parsons when free agency opens up. They may not end up getting him when everything is said and done, but they should definitely pursue him and see if they can lure him in.

Do you think the Orlando Magic should pursue Chandler Parsons when free agency opens up? Would he be the missing piece that helps power the Magic back to the playoffs? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!

[AP Photo/LM Otero]