The Chicago Bulls are already regretting their decision to sign Jabari Parker over the offseason to a two year, $40 million contract. Parker’s inconsistent play has been just a minor storyline in what has been a disastrous season for the Bulls, having fired coach Fred Hoiberg and replacing him with former University of Utah head coach Jim Boylen. Boylen has since come under fire for over-practicing his young team.
The Bulls have reportedly received several trade offers for Parker, and are exploring moving him.
Parker still has value in the NBA as a scorer at the power forward position, averaging 15 points per game despite a mixed bouncing between starting and coming off the bench. But whereas Parker may have made sense as an off season investment for the Jazz, who had money to spend, he likely no longer makes sense for this roster.
Parker is due $20 million this year, and has a team option next season, so even if he didn’t work out in Utah, the Jazz could cut bait, but what it would cost to land him might be too steep at this point.
To match his $20 million salary, the Jazz would have to send out multiple players to get him back, likely Derrick Favors and Thabo Sefolosha, each of whom have an expiring deal to and the former number two overall pick.
Parker’s poor defense, and inconsistent play overall makes that a hard bargain for the Jazz, who have consistency with Favors as a back up Center with the Jazz, and Sefolosha coming back from injury last year.
Parker could still be an option for the Jazz this coming summer, but would likely have to show improved play wherever he lands this year via trade.
