The Smoking Cuban
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Rumor: Grizzlies open to trading Chandler Parsons and No. 4 pick

By Jasmyn Wimbish

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 18: Chandler Parsons #25 of the Memphis Grizzlies dribbles the ball against the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center on January 18, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 18: Chandler Parsons #25 of the Memphis Grizzlies dribbles the ball against the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center on January 18, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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The Memphis Grizzlies are trying to see what they can get for a package of Chandler Parsons and the No. 4 pick in next week’s draft. Parsons, who after departing Dallas to sign with the Grizzlies, only played in a combined 70 games over the past two seasons.

According to The Athletic’s Michael Scotto the Grizzlies are “gauging the trade market on a package of Chandler Parsons and the No. 4 overall pick.”

Could the Mavericks be willing to take on the rest of Parsons’ contract to move up one spot in the draft? What if it meant getting Luka Doncic at No. 4?

Parsons is owed $49.2 million over the next two seasons, and while he has been hampered with injuries since leaving Dallas, perhaps a reunion with Mark Cuban would do him some good.

During his two-year stint in Dallas, Parsons averaged 14.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists. Parsons’ time in Dallas would have been longer, but due to concerns over two knee injuries in back-to-back seasons, the Mavericks decided not to re-sign him.

When the 6’10” small forward left in free agency in 2016, there were some unresolved feelings, but Mark Cuban did say that Parsons would be back in Dallas at some point.

If Dallas were to make an offer to Memphis, it would likely need to include more than the No. 5 pick. However, if the Grizzlies are just looking to dump Parsons’ contract to maintain financially flexible this summer, then a straight up trade would likely work.

For Dallas, taking on an injury-prone Parsons for the second time would be very risky, and with Barnes already stable at small forward the fit would be difficult. Not to mention taking on that hefty contract would put a damper on Dallas’ free agency plans.

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If the Mavericks want to move up in the draft, albeit only one spot, this could be a scenario worth considering. However, the risk that comes along with it may not be worth the trouble.