As the Memphis Grizzlies continue to struggle, the idea of trading away either Marc Gasol or Mike Conley is becoming a more realistic option. However, if Memphis does pursue a deal that would ship out one of their star players, they would like to shed some salary as well.
According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, any team interested in making a move for Marc Gasol or Mike Conley would also have to be willing to take Chandler Parsons and his contract in the trade.
Chandler Parsons signed a 4-year, $94 million deal with the Grizzlies back in the salary cap swelling summer of 2016. He has only played a total of 73 regular season games for Memphis despite being in his third season with the team.
Health concerns throughout the last few seasons have kept him sidelined, but Parsons is now healthy and ready to play. Following a disagreement about how he should return to action– specifically regarding a possible stint in the G League prior to a return to the Grizzlies — led to Parsons and Memphis agreeing to part ways on Jan. 6.
The rumors have been in full effect, with the possibility that Gasol could seek another opportunity to compete elsewhere as the Grizzlies look at a possible rebuild. Gasol, similar to Parsons, is making just over $24.1 million this season. Any team looking to get a deal done would likely need the involvement of a third team to facilitate the matching of salaries.
It is unclear which teams are interested in making a deal like this happen, but with Gasol still having plenty left in the tank and Parsons feeling like he can still contribute for an NBA team, the chance of a trade happening can’t be ruled out.