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Report: Disagreement over G League stint led to Grizzlies, Parsons separation

Joe Murphy / National Basketball Association / Getty

The working relationship between Chandler Parsons and the Memphis Grizzlies organization is now seemingly done, with a disagreement over a G League assignment with the Memphis Hustle perhaps being the final straw.

Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace reportedly wanted Parsons - who's been out of action since Oct. 22 with right knee soreness - to play games with the Hustle before bringing the 30-year-old forward back to the active roster, league sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Tim MacMahon.

Parsons was more than happy to oblige, but reportedly wanted a set timetable in place for when he could compete again with the Grizzlies.

He'd recently been partaking in five-on-five scrimmages with his teammates to prove he could play, and reportedly made a positive impression on the coaching staff with his offensive prowess. Parsons' defense, however, reportedly left a lot to be desired, which is why management wouldn't budge on wanting him to have a G League run.

"Let me play!" Parsons reportedly shouted at Wallace during a scrimmage in which he swished multiple 3-pointers.

"We met with Chandler and spoke with him and his representation numerous times during his rehab process, laying out a number of options to help integrate a healthy and effective Chandler back onto the floor," Wallace said in an official statement.

"In the last of these conversations, we presented Chandler clear options for him and his representatives to choose, which included a short three-home-game stint for the Memphis Hustle or rehab either in Memphis or Los Angeles with the training team of his choice. Chandler subsequently chose to continue his rehab in Los Angeles. We will continue to monitor Chandler's progress."

Parsons has played a grand total of 73 games across three seasons for Memphis since signing a four-year, $94-million contract in 2016.

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