The NBA offseason is not even one week old, but the hectic summer ahead is more than officially underway. Among the many names expected to be moved (that Anthony Davis guy got traded already, by the way) is Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley. Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that the Utah Jazz are considered to be the frontrunners for the veteran point guard’s services.
The Grizzlies are intensifying talks to potentially move franchise cornerstone Mike Conley Jr., league sources told The Athletic. Memphis has been in conversations with the Jazz and Utah is a frontrunner to acquire Conley should the Grizzlies trade the point guard during draft week, league sources said.
Memphis slapped Conley on the trade block this past season, putting both him and Marc Gasol up for grabs. The Pistons, Jazz, Pacers, and Raptors all expressed interest in Conley during the trade deadline so there are some roots to Utah’s interest.
The Jazz also parted ways with point guard Rickey Rubio by harshly (but fairly) saying he is “not a priority this offseason”. That leaves a whole at point guard next to star Donovan Mitchell, who did actually play some point guard this season. However, Mitchell had a hot and cold sophomore season after he exploded onto the scene as a rookie. Utah would rightfully want a skilled playmaker next to him in the backcourt to direct the offense. Rubio was supposed to be that, but ended up not having a respectable enough jumpshot to keep defenses guessing. Mike Conley would certainly fill that void.
Conley has two years remaining on his deal, worth $67 million. He also has an early-termination option that could make him a free agent next summer. It is unclear what exactly the rebuilding Memphis Grizzlies would want in return, but a package will almost certainly begin with the 23 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
