Jabari Parker remains a free agent.
The 24-year-old forward’s market is “still developing,” according to a report from NBC Sports Washington.
Since many have asked, I’m told the Wizards haven’t circled back to Jabari Parker at this point. His market is still developing. Have to wonder if the price will land somewhere the Wizards can justify. He’d be one of their 3-4 best players.
— Chase Hughes (@ChaseHughesNBCS) July 2, 2019
The Wizards declined Parker’s option for 2019-20 and he reportedly was operating “with the expectation” he would not be returning to the team. But, Washington could consider bringing him back at the right price, the report says.
Parker was sent from the Bulls to the Wizards before the trade deadline. He averaged 15 points and 7.2 rebounds while shooting 52.3% from the field in 25 games with Washington.
Parker said in late March he enjoyed his time in Washington.
“It’s been playing (out) really good so far,” Parker told NBA.com. “I love being here, I love just the people around here. Just professionals, they treat you like an adult. They hold you accountable, and if you’re not doing it, you get rewarded or you don’t.
“(Wizards coach Scott Brooks) has done a good job of implementing me, and I’m proud of that because I do more than just one thing, and it just feels good to get in those positions.”
Brooks also praised Parker.
“I don’t think he’s reached the level he’s going to continue to get to,” Brooks said. “He’s been nothing but a great worker here. I don’t look at him as a ‘three’ or ‘four’ or ‘five,’ he’s a point player. He can play just about any position on the floor.”
Parker was originally selected by the Bucks out of Duke with the second pick in the 2014 draft and he spent his first four NBA seasons with the team.