Chandler Parsons agrees to four-year max deal with Grizzlies

Mike Conley has agreed to a five-year, $153 million deal with the Memphis Grizzles, the richest in National Basketball Association history.

July 7: Teams can officially sign players to contracts.

It had previously been reported that Conley’s first free-agent visit will be with the Mavericks, at which point we can expect owner Mark Cuban to open up his checkbook.

For Conley, whose name has become nearly synonymous in basketball circles over the years with the term “underrated”, he can look at his rich new contract and be proud that he has finally shed that label.

Signs had been pointing to this deal coming for much of Friday. Conley re-signed with the Memphis Grizzlies for a five-year, $153 million deal. The Griz can go over the salary cap to complete a Conley deal.

Signing Conley later than sooner would preserve the Grizzlies’ cap space, which could be between $25 million and $30 million.

The Grizzlies’ mainstay never really considered leaving, especially after Chandler Parsons joined him.

The report noted that Parsons would be a significant asset to the Blazers in terms of the playmaking, three-point shooting, and versatility that he can provide as at the moment only Lillard and CJ McCollum can consistently supply that to the team.

The Dallas Mavericks again will seek major upgrades in free agency, a year after DeAndre Jordan’s jolting change of heart ruined their plans. This already signifies the likely end to Gerald Henderson’s tenure with the Trail Blazers, as he will have to have his rights renounced to make room for Parsons’ contract.

The Atlanta Hawks free agent is an athletic and competent shooter.

Team executives who spoke to B/R predicted Howard might command $10-15 million in a starting salary-far short of the $23.3 million he just opted out of in Houston, and less than half the $31 million max salary he is said to be seeking. Conley has averaged 13.6 points, 5.6 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 1.5 steals over his nine-year career in Memphis. He’ll be coveted as a “3 and D” guy.

The Grizzlies link is interesting. But could easily be topped by another deal either this year or next.

Parsons had performed at his highest level with the Mavericks, averaging 18.8 points, five rebounds and 2.7 assists in February before undergoing season-ending knee surgery in March.

Now the Buckeyes at least have a player making superstar money.