NBA Rumors: Chandler Parsons Leaving Dallas Mavericks For Orlando Magic

NBA rumors are already springing up about the upcoming free agency period, even though the regular season isn’t over yet. One of the more interesting ones has Chandler Parsons leaving the Dallas Mavericks for the Orlando Magic, according to ESPN. Parsons is said to be intrigued about playing for his hometown team and being able to build a dynasty in the state of Florida.

When the Dallas Mavericks acquired Chandler Parsons, they were hoping for two things primarily. They were hoping for a versatile player that could help Dirk Nowitzki challenge for an NBA Championship during the twilight years of his career. They were also hoping that Parsons would develop and become the franchise player for the Mavericks once Nowitzki decides to walk away from the National Basketball Association.

After a shaky start due to him rushing back from injuries, Chandler Parsons is now proving to everyone that he was well worth the $46 million that Mark Cuban paid him to leave the Houston Rockets as a restricted free agent and join the Dallas Mavericks. Both Cuban and Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle have expressed interest in keeping around Parsons for the long term and having be one of the faces of the franchise.

Those plans are now in danger because there are talks that several NBA teams have interest in pursuing Chandler Parsons when he becomes a free agent this summer. The Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks are all said to be interested in bringing Parsons on board. The Houston Rockets reportedly want Chandler back. The Orlando Magic might be the most interesting destination because of what they can offer Parsons if he joins them.

Right before the NBA Trade Deadline, the Orlando Magic were one of the busier teams, making sure that they move contracts to have enough space in their salary cap space this summer to lure in big time free agents. They sent Tobias Harris to the Detroit Pistons before sending veteran stretch forward Channing Frye to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Those two moves enabled the Magic to save approximately $24 million, which will go a long way towards their rebuilding efforts.

The Orlando Magic will have enough salary cap space this summer to sign two free agents for the maximum contract. That means that Chandler Parsons will not be the only big star to join the Magic this summer. Considering that Parsons is one of the best player recruiters in the NBA, there’s a very good chance that he will lure someone very good to join him down in Orlando.

One of the names already being linked to the Orlando Magic if they were to successfully be able to sign Chandler Parsons this summer is Al Horford. The two of them both played for the Florida Gators, and there’s a belief that that connection might be able to help seal the deal. Horford is beloved by the Atlanta Hawks, but the franchise is said to be worried about dishing out such a huge contract to someone that is already his age.

The Orlando Magic would have quite the intriguing supporting cast to throw at Chandler Parsons and Al Horford. Nikola Vucevic is a bona fide NBA center, and he’s just 25 years of age. The roster is littered with young players who have potential to become great. Elfrid Payton, Mario Hezonga, Andrew Nicholson, Evan Fournier, Aaron Gordon and Viktor Oladipo could grow to become a special group, especially if they have veterans like Parsons and Horford leading the way.