Cleveland Cavaliers Could Pressure Houston On Chandler Parsons Decision

Mar 22, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Houston Rockets forward Chandler Parsons (25) drives to the basket past Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dion Waiters (3) during the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Houston won 118-111. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Marc Stein of ESPN reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers intend to pursue restricted free agent Chandler Parsons should LeBron James opt to stay with the Miami Heat. This news puts the Houston Rockets in a sticky situation, as it is currently still trying to jostle to sign Chris Bosh. Then again, if James stays in Miami, Bosh very could as well.

Hearing Cavs have strong interest in Rockets RFA Chandler Parsons if LeBron elects to stay to Miami. Parsons said to be next-in-line target

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 9, 2014

The dominoes have yet to begin to fall, but each of the premier players’ decisions are affecting one another. Bosh is the Rockets Plan A right now, and if Bosh does not become a Rocket, GM Daryl Morey will have to consider whether or not to match a sizable offer for Parsons.

Gordon Hayward, of comparable value, was signed to an offer sheet by the Charlotte Hornets for $63 million, four years. It’s reasonable that Parsons demands the same dollar, and the Cavs may be prepared to give it to him.

While it is debatable as to whether Parsons ever represents the kind of talent to be a first or second option, on Houston he is nearly invaluable. In the games when James Harden’s jumper isn’t falling, and Dwight Howard is struggling, or in foul trouble, it is Parsons who steps up and carries the load.

Parsons can streaky at times, but when his jumper is on, the Rockets are a difficult team to beat. And that makes him worth the money, even more so than the likes of Carmelo Anthony. Team chemistry is hard to cultivate, and Parsons has a strong relationship with Dwight Howard. Keeping Howard happy is nearly as important as reeling in a big name like Chris Bosh.