ESPN.com is reporting that the Rockets have declined to match the offer sheet Chandler Parsons signed with the Mavs worth $46 million over three years. This comes on the heels of the recent signing of Trevor Ariza, who will join the Rockets on a four-year deal worth $32 million. The Rockets have said that matching Parsons’ offer sheet was contingent on Chris Bosh agreeing to a max contract, but Bosh declined that offer yesterday and opted instead to stay in Miami on a reported five-year, $118 million deal.
Here’s more from ESPN’s Jeff Goodman:
The Houston Rockets have decided not to match the Mavericks’ three-year, $46 million offer sheet for Chandler Parsons, which means the versatile forward will join Dirk Nowitzki in Dallas.
Parsons told ESPN.com he received the call from the Rockets just prior to 6 p.m. ET on Sunday informing him that they would not be matching the offer.
Parsons’ split with Houston was relatively amicable, and he thanked the owner and GM via Twitter.
Just heard from @dmorey and Mr. Alexander. Nothing but utmost respect for them, the fans and city of Houston. THANK YOU for your support!
— Chandler Parsons (@ChandlerParsons) July 13, 2014
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Houston will always have a special place in my heart and I will never forget the memories. My teammates, I love you, thank you.
— Chandler Parsons (@ChandlerParsons) July 13, 2014
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Ariza, who plays the same position as Chandler, comes at a better value and brings similar production. Parsons averaged 16.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and four assists per game last season, while Ariza averaged 14.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists for the Wizards.
Parsons also played an integral role in stealing Dwight Howard away from the Lakers last summer and has been widely considered one of the best players in the league for his contract. Parsons has made just $2.6 million during his first three seasons but established himself as a versatile wing player who was able to lure defenders out on the perimeter and allow Howard more room to operate in the paint.
Ariza brings a similar ability to stretch the defense with his outside shooting (he shot better than 40-percent from behind the arc last season) and is, in theory, a better perimeter defender than Parsons.
Parsons, on the other hand, adds some sorely-needed youth to Dallas’ rotation, after the Mavericks signed a slew of aging and ailing stars during free agency – Raymond Felton, Tyson Chandler, and Richard Jefferson, to name a few.
Ariza had previously signed with Houston in 2009 on a five-year, $32 million deal but played just one season with the Rockets before being traded to the New Orleans Hornets.
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