The Chandler Parsons Conundrum

So the Rockets made it official announcing they won't be picking up Parsons option. Parsons, who's been an integral piece off this rockets team for the past 2 seasons has become a highly sought after player. Basically the Rockets would rather get a superstar player than resign Parsons to a big money deal. They'll undoubtedly have to because other teams are going to as well. Rockets GM Daryl Morey is stuck trying to figure out what to do.

Personally I'd say to trade Parsons. At least then they'll get something for him rather than just letting him walk. Best case scenario, they can strike a deal with the Magic and land another high draft pick next season. Parsons is from Orlando, and played his college ball at the University of Florida. The Rockets will be collecting a draft pick from the Pelicans for Omer Asik as soon add that trade is finalized. If they're able to get another 1st round pick they'd have another piece to trade, for yet another great player such as Kevin Love our even Rajon Rondo. If Parsons leaves and the Rockets get absolutely nothing for him it'd be a disaster in my eyes.

Some say that superstar is possible without trading Parsons, and if that superstar isn't a SF then trading him wouldn't be necessary. But paying Parsons will be the issue. With both Dwight Howard and James Harden getting max contracts it'll be hard to figure out what to pay Parsons. Add in the fact that the Rockets were anticipating paying someone else a max deal as well, which would leave only scraps for Parsons.

If Parsons is willing to take less money to win, the Rockets should keep him. Regardless of whether they get Melo or not. Parsons is one of the top players in the league at his position and keeping him would only make the Rockets better. But if  paying him what he wants isn't possible... get something for him.

What LeBron opting out REALLY means

So now that LeBron James has opted out of the final 2 years of his contract, let's talk about what this actually means. One, take into account that since he's been on the Heat he's been to the finals every year. No they didn't win all 4 appearances but no other team in basketball can say they've done that. Two, LeBron has always said he'd take less money to win, and he proved that by leaving some cash on the table signing in Miami. And last but not least... LeBron is Miami right now. Regardless of those who think the fans in that town actually love Wade more, we on the outside see the truth. Wade ain't the one with commercials showing the whole city running with him, he's also not the one you hear about on rap anthems by the area's finest lyricists from Rick Ross to DJ Khaled. Truth is LeBron is running things in that city, period point blank.

Now taking all that in mind do you honestly think a LeBron is leaving the Heat? I don't. I think he at least expects Chris Bosh to opt out as well soon to add to the revenue Pat Riley can use to make this Heat team a contender for at least 3-4 more years. Carmelo isn't a realistic option in my eyes. Him and LeBron play the same position, and Melo needs to be on his own team. I e expect Miami to upgrade at the PG, SF, and PF positions. Some are already talking Kyle Lowry as a possible target. If they can find another quality SF say a, Chandler Parsons or a Danny Granger to play extended minutes when LeBron is at the PF that'd be a big pick up too. After Bosh the Heat is thin at PF. At times they like to play him at C too, so his backup should be a quality player that can make plays when the opportunities are there. Udonis Haslem isn't going to cut it anymore. A player I think they'll be interested in at that spot is Andre Blatche. His all around game is exactly what the Heat need out of their PF.

But regardless of who their bringing in with the money freed up from LeBron opting out let's not get things twisted people, LeBron didn't opt out to play in Cleveland. Nor did he do it to play in New York or Los Angeles. He did it so he'd have a chance to play in Miami till he retired. At least I believe so.