The Memphis Grizzlies are overhauling and this was clearly shown when they traded away Marc Gasol before the NBA trade deadline last month. However, there is still one remaining piece of the Grizzlies core in Mike Conley – someone who was also in the middle of NBA trade talk.
In exchange for Gasol, Memphis got Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright, CJ Miles, and a 2024 second-round draft pick, ESPN said. Conley, on the other hand, was linked to several teams who were in need of a veteran point guard. Though SB Nation said that there were several teams interested in the 31-year-old NBA vet, it was only the Utah Jazz that was identified.
And as everyone knows, that never materialized. The case is somehow similar to the one involving Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers and there is a growing belief that the Grizzlies will revive talks with the Jazz in the summer, the Ringer said.
The Grizzlies may have opted to forego trading Conley for now so that he can mentor Jaren Jackson Jr. The fourth overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft is seen to be the next face of the Memphis franchise.
Another reason why it would make sense for the Grizzlies to trade away Conley is because of his contract. The fourth overall pick of the 2007 NBA Draft has an early termination clause in his contract, meaning he will become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason.
At 31, Conley could be looking to join a contender as he enters a critical stage of his NBA career. The Jazz could be among the suitors although other teams in need of a tested guard could enter the fray.
Since returning from an Achilles injury during the 2017-18 NBA season, Conley has slowly gotten his groove back. There is no doubt that he remains a force to reckon with and he can easily be a starter for any team. This is perhaps the reason why the Jazz is interested in bringing him since they need a player who can not only score but lead a franchise.
There is no doubt that Conley can still keep in step with other guards in the league. But with his years numbered, the 6-foot-1 guard will also factor in his future and looks for security. All that could be in Jazz or another team willing to invest in him long term.
