Report: Cavaliers target Chandler Parsons as backup for LeBron James

The Cleveland Cavaliers have pegged Houston Rockets free agent forward Chandler Parsons as their backup plan if LeBron James elects not to sign with Cleveland, reports Marc Stein of ESPN.com 

Parsons, who's entering his fourth NBA season, averaged 16.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and four assists per game last season, all of which were career highs. He's a restricted free agent, meaning the Rockets will have the opportunity to match any offer sheet that Parsons may sign with another team.

The clear priority for the Cavaliers is James, who spent his first seven seasons with the team and is reportedly choosing between Cleveland and a return to the Miami Heat.

After reportedly completing a three-team trade with the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics involving Jarrett Jack, Tyler Zeller and others, the Cavaliers now have sufficient cap space to offer James a max deal, but will need to use their new space on one or more other players should James choose the Heat.

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— Josh Sanchez