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Report: Grizzlies exploring trade market for Parsons, No. 4 pick

Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

The Memphis Grizzlies are reportedly considering the merits of Mary Poppins' "spoonful of sugar" philosophy - except in this case, someone else would have to swallow the nasty medicine.

The Grizzlies have explored the possibility of trading the No. 4 pick in the upcoming draft to rid themselves of expensive but oft-injured forward Chandler Parsons, according to The Athletic's Michael Scotto.

Prior to signing with Memphis in 2016, Parsons had developed into a capable scorer and playmaker from the frontcourt, averaging 14.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, three assists, and one steal per game while shooting 38 percent on 3-pointers across his first five NBA seasons.

During his time with the Grizzlies, however, injuries have limited Parsons to just 70 games in two seasons. For a franchise that grew accustomed to playoff appearances over the past decade, Parsons' scoring output of 7.1 points per game while averaging fewer than 20 minutes a night has left much to be desired.

The 29-year-old Parsons is just halfway through his four-year, $94.4-million contract, and he's owed $24.1 million next season and $25.1 million in 2019-20. The Grizzlies have also made big-money commitments to 30-year-old Mike Conley and 33-year-old Marc Gasol, so parting with the No. 4 pick to move the very expensive Parsons could be the quickest way to add win-now talent, free up their log-jammed cap sheet, or both.

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