As an unrestricted free agent this summer, Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley is slated to be a key target for other teams to sign. The Knicks and Nets have been reported as having their sights set on Conley.
The Grizzlies front office has remained confident in their ability to re-sign Conley, though. Team VP Ed Stafanski expressed his confidence back in February, but this week it was reported that it’s becoming more expected that Conley parts ways with Memphis. Grizz GM Chris Wallace came with more optimism on “The Chris Vernon Show” on 92.9 FM ESPN on Wednesday.
“We are undefeated in re-signing our core players, and we will remain so. We are going to re-sign Mike Conley” – Chris Wallace
— Chris Vernon (@ChrisVernonShow) April 20, 2016
The grit-and-grind era in Memphis is at stake with Conley’s free agency. It’s not like he personally embodies that mentality, that has more to do with their physical style of play, but Conley has been the steady and ideal hand at point guard who drove that system.
Marc Gasol signed a five-year extension with the Grizzlies last summer. Conley could have signed one too, but opted not to. It was only by their competitive will and pride that the Grizzlies made the playoffs, especially being without Gasol since February. Memphis could bounce rejuvenate itself with their same core healthy and try to make a move in the draft or free agency, but their trusted lead guard will have a big say in the immediate development of the Grizzlies roster this summer.
