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The biggest free agent signing in Memphis Grizzlies history leaves with a whimper.
Adrian Wojnarowski and Tim MacMahon of ESPN report that the Grizzlies and Chandler Parsons have agreed to part ways. Parsons is leaving the Grizzlies, who play at New Orleans Monday night, while his agent and the Grizzlies front office tries to figure out how to split as amicably as possible.
Sources with @ESPN_McMahon: Chandler Parsons will leave the Grizzles indefinitely as management and his agent James Dunleavy work to structure a resolution on Parsons’ future with franchise. Sides agreed on separation Sunday. Parsons has been medically cleared since Dec. 21.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 6, 2019
Grizzlies owe Parsons $38M, including his $25.1M guaranteed salary for 2019-20. He's in third season of a four-year, $94M contract. Details surrounding separation soon on https://t.co/XcwLHcsHad. https://t.co/aiJWdmlB6C
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 6, 2019
Memphis and Parsons have been having conversations about Chandler’s return to play for some time. Chris Herrington of the Daily Memphian reported that Chandler was offered an opportunity to play on the Memphis Hustle’s recent California road trip to get back to game shape, and a source tells GBB that another offer of a rehab assignment - this upcoming week’s home stand in Southaven - was made to Chandler. Parsons and his camp declined the suggested plans, and the sides agreed to separate.
The question now becomes how to get it done financially. Of course, lots of money is involved, and any buyout will get tricky with over a year left on the agreement.
Memphis is still on the hook for $38M owed ($12.8M this year and $25.1M in 19-20) from the $94M contract signed in 2016. https://t.co/jXOzTbbUfl
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) January 6, 2019
Parsons of course has never lived up to the four year, $94 million contract he signed during the summer of 2016, largely because of health issues involving his knees. Chandler only appeared in 73 games across two and a half seasons for Memphis, averaging seven points a game on 40.2% overall shooting and 35.3% shooting from beyond the arc. He only logged 46 minutes of play this season.
Stick with GBB as this story develops - updates will be posted here.
UPDATE 7:14 PM CT- The following statement is from Grizzlies General Manager Chris Wallace.
We met with Chandler and spoke with him and his representation numerous times during his rehab process, laying out a number of options to help integrate a healthy and effective Chandler back on to the floor.
In the last of these conversations, we presented Chandler clear options for him and his representatives to choose, which included a short three-home-game stint for the Memphis Hustle or rehab either in Memphis or in Los Angeles with the training team of his choice.
Chandler subsequently chose to continue his rehab in Los Angeles. We will continue to monitor Chandler’s progress.”
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