As July 1 approaches, the Memphis Grizzlies get closer to potentially losing their starting point guard in Mike Conley. An unrestricted free agent this summer, Conley is a hot commodity. Teams in need of a point guard have him at the top of their wish lists.
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reports that Conley would be interested in signing with two Texas teams, Dallas or San Antonio:
A source said the Spurs and Mavericks are among the other teams that would interest Conley, who intends to explore his options in free agency. The Spurs would have to answer questions about how Conley would fit with Tony Parker, according to the source, who said that Conley has great respect for Dallas coach Rick Carlisle.
The Knicks and Pacers would have been attractive to Conley, an Indianapolis native, but those two teams addressed their needs at point guards with trades today.
Indiana was involved in a three-team trade today that landed them Jeff Teague while the Knicks completed a trade for Derrick Rose.
Conley joining the Spurs would turn the most heads. Even though co-existing with Tony Parker would be a transition, it would line up Conley to become Parker’s eventual protege. It would also be a chance to form a new Big 3 Spurs era along with Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge. The Mavericks are in need of more talent in general, but San Antonio is more equipped to win now.
The Grizzlies would have to commit to a five-year contract to retain Conley. The fifth year would be worth more than $33 million on a max contract. No other team can offer Conley that much money.
There has been a great sense of pride in the grit and grind era of Grizzlies basketball. If sheer pride and loyalty win out, Conley re-signs, plus the money will be better. But if Conley is prioritizing the potential of competing for a championship, the Spurs are in the best position out of all parties to provide that now.
