The Dallas Mavericks have had a very busy off season this summer trying to lure big name free agents but stuck out for the most part.
They finally got to sign one of their targets to a max contract by acquiring promising small forward Harrison Barnes.
In exchange, team owner Mark Cuban had to see their former starter Chandler Parsons walk out from the team and join the Memphis Grizzlies. A lot of chatter was created by this move and people questioned the front office on why they did not offer Parsons the max contract instead.
They play similarly and Parsons, though three years older, is the more established player and already knows the system in Dallas. However, Cuban has other things put into consideration.
During an interview on Dallas News' SportsDay, the charismatic team owner talked about their decision.
“Can't go into any details, but I'll just say it wasn't a basketball issue. Chandler obviously is a very, very skilled player. There's a lot of great things to his game. But he's, in essence, a different player from Harrison. Harrison is longer, more athletic, younger. Just like Chandler really didn't get a chance to have his game blossom when he was with the Rockets. He just showed glimpses of it because of Dwight [Howard] and James [Harden] being there. I think Harrison was kind of in the same role. I think we're going to give Harrison the opportunity and I know he's excited about the opportunity to really shine and be a featured guy for us.”
It was reported before that the Mavs were reluctant to offer the max to Chandler Parsons due to his history of injuries, and because he has not played a full season yet in his career.
As it turned out to be, all parties seem to have gotten what they wanted in the end and are all looking forward for a new start. At least, one thing remains constant, Mark Cuban and Chandler Parsons are still friends.
Follow Us
Subscribe