Chandler Parsons to become RFA

— -- The Houston Rockets won't pick up the team option on forward Chandler Parsons' contract, making him a restricted free agent this summer, Yahoo! Sports has reported.

Parsons, 25, who averaged 16.6 points and 5.5 rebounds for the Rockets this season, could command $12 million to $13 million annually, the Yahoo! Sports report said, citing league executives.

The last year of Parson's contract is only worth $960,000. But according to the report, the Rockets would like to keep Parsons by matching any offer sheet he signs in July and by signing him to a long-term deal before he can become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Declining to pick up the option on Parsons, who has expressed a strong desire to stay with the Rockets, could serve to fulfill a strategy in which they clear salary cap space in an effort to lure a player worth a third maximum free agent contract to join Dwight Howard and James Harden, Yahoo! Sports reported.

The deadline for the Rockets to formally decline the option is June 30.