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With the 2018 NBA Draft just one week away, rumors surrounding the annual event are hot and heavy. The Athletic’s Michael Scotto reported today that the the fourth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft may be available [Note: Subscription required]. However, the high pick would come at a big cost: Memphis may use the pick to unload Chandler Parsons and his sizable contract.
The Memphis Grizzlies have gauged the trade market on a package of Chandler Parsons and the No. 4 overall pick, league sources told The Athletic.
Parsons, who has missed 94 combined games over the past two seasons, is owed $49.2 million guaranteed over the next two seasons.
The Grizzlies worked out former Duke forward Wendell Carter, Jr. earlier this week, who is projected to go in the lottery, but likely not as high as four. If they want Carter, the Grizzlies may try to simply move back a few picks.
The Portland Trail Blazers have a history with Chandler Parsons. Damian Lillard and the Blazers met with him as their primary free agent target in 2016. Portland reportedly made a “near-max” offer to him, but he spurned them for a max deal with the Grizzlies. Later, CJ McCollum was clearly quite thrilled that they missed out on Parsons.
He was also involved in one other minor historical incident with the Blazers.
But now, with $24 and $25 million owed to him over the next two seasons. is this an avenue worth exploring right now? Let us know what you think in the comments.