What LeBron James to Cavs means for Mavericks

The King is going back home. LeBron James has decided to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers after spending the last four years in Miami.

Such a move does more than just impact these two teams; it impacts the whole NBA. Also, the timing of the move will greatly alter the Dallas Mavericks plan with Chandler Parsons, whom they recently signed to a 3-year, $46 million offer sheet.

It’s been known that Parsons’ future in Dallas would be slim, especially if James were to head back to Cleveland. Chris Bosh is now expected to sign with the Rockets, which will most likely lead to them matching the Mavs offer for Parsons.

The Rockets have been preparing for this situation for sometime now, so they should be able to make all the necessary moves by Sunday’s deadline to form a nucleus of Dwight Howard, James Harden, Bosh, and Parsons.

UPDATE 2: 

With Bosh’s sudden decision to stay in Miami, the Rockets are now in a limbo. Do they overpay to bring back Parsons, while also fielding a depth deprived roster? Or, do they let Parsons walk and try to use their remaining cap to sign other free agents.

It’s a tough decision for Houston, but as of now we have to prepare as if they’ll keep Parsons. If Parson’s future is not in Dallas, then what’s next for the Mavs?

We have to assume the Mavs are already looking at Luol Deng and Trevor Ariza to replace the reopened vacancy at small forward.

UPDATE 1: 

Both are better on the defensive end of the court, but don’t offer the same offensive versatility as Parsons. Like Parsons, both have been seeking large deals, but both being 29-years-old, is a high scale, long-term deal the best move for the Mavs?

We can’t neglect the team’s bench is non-existent. Vince Carter has yet to re-sign. Dirk Nowitzki still needs a backup. Outside of Raymond Felton, there isn’t much to offer behind Monta Ellis and Devin Harris at the guard spots. Yes, if the Mavs were able to hang onto Parsons, these holes would still be present. But at just 25, he was someone who you could rely on to play big minutes and muster a larger role.

Can we say the same for Deng and Ariza, both of whom have had injury plagued years during their careers? The Mavs opened the first week of free agency in a quiet manner. With this, by Monday,theMavs may have nothing to show for free agency besidesbringingbackNowitzki and Harris. Back to the drawing board.