The Houston Rockets will reportedly not pick up Chandler Parsons contract option, allowing him to become a restricted free agent this summer.
Yahoo! Sports reported that the team will likely decline the fourth-year option on Parsons’ rookie contract.
If the Rockets picked up the 2014-15 option worth $964,750, the forward would become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Parsons has expressed a desire to stay in Houston. However, league sources said that the team is looking to pursue some big-time stars including the Miami Heat’s LeBron James and the New York Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony.
Parsons, who was selected in the second-round of the 2011 NBA draft, averaged 16.6 points, 4.0 assists and 5.5 rebounds a game last season, according to Basketball-Reference.com.
The 6 foot 9 small forward has outperformed his rookie contract and if the Rockets dump him, several teams could use him. The 25-year-old would then be able to command a huge payday.
Houston has until June 30 to formally decline the option, so the team still has time to weigh the pros and cons.