The San Antonio Spurs’ season ended rather unceremoniously on Thursday after being surprisingly eliminated in six games by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite 67 wins and a season as one of the greatest defensive teams of all time, there are now plenty of questions about the Spurs as they move forward.
Speculation is rampant about whether or not Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili will retire. Tony Parker has not been the dynamic player that he once was over the past two seasons. The Spurs will look to dynamic forward Kawhi Leonard to lead them into the next era of the franchise, but it may be fair to wonder if he can carry a team as the ultimate centerpiece.
Personally, I believe he can be and the Spurs may think so as well, as they seem to be intent on being big-time players in free agency to fill the team with more win-now players. The rumors about Kevin Durant have been going on for quite a while, but according to ESPN’s Marc Stein, Durant is not the only max-level player the Spurs are looking at.
Since last week's piece about the Spurs' free-agent interest in Kevin Durant more than one spy has whispered: They'll court Mike Conley, too
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) May 13, 2016
Mike Conley will also be an unrestricted free agent this summer and he can fill a gaping need for the Spurs as a two-way point guard. With Parker’s aforementioned struggles, signing a player of Conley’s magnitude certainly makes sense for San Antonio.
Conley has already set somewhat of an ultimatum against his Memphis Grizzlies regarding improving the team. With the coaching situation also in flux after the firing of Dave Joerger, it is fair to wonder if the point guard will look for a change of scenery.
If he is indeed looking to take his talents elsewhere, it’s difficult to imagine a better situation than the Spurs where he can be a key part of a team with enough talent around him to give him a chance at his first title.
This is, of course, all speculation and Conley has said that he wants to be loyal to Memphis and continue playing for the Grizzlies. It is interesting, however, as it seems like a marriage between the San Antonio Spurs and Mike Conley could be great for both sides.
