The Memphis Grizzlies is poised to pick Murray State point guard Ja Morant in the upcoming 2019 NBA Draft. Morant is well-hyped to be the Grizzlies' starting point guard of the future, and with that in mind, the team is currently looking to move its current starter, Mike Conley.
Among the top prospects to acquire Conley is the Utah Jazz. People with insider information about the negotiations have said that the two teams are currently "intensifying" talks with regards to moving the veteran guard out of Grizzlies. This is not the first time the two teams have come to the negotiating table for Conley. In at least one occasion, the two teams were able to discuss the prospect but were not able to come up with a finalized deal. While still not a secured deal for the Jazz, reports are claiming that Derrick Favors may be part of the deal, although this has yet to be confirmed by both sides.
There are a number of questions surrounding the Grizzlies' apparent decision to part with the veteran guard. Some pundits have suggested that while Morant is a much brighter prospect, Conley had the veteran experience and he could help guide the newcomer into the league. Apparently, the Grizzlies is so astounded by Morant's raw talent that they are willing to let go one of their more seasoned veteran in exchange, possibly, for some assets that will help them bankroll their rebuilding process that hinges on Morant and sophomore Jaren Jackson Jr.
Conley is a huge asset, not only on the court but also on the salary cap. He still has $67-million left on his contract over the next two seasons. Despite this, the veteran guard still has a number of suitors. Aside from the Jazz, there are rumors claiming that the Miami Heat and the Dallas Mavericks are also open to pursuing Conley.
As for the Grizzlies, it would appear that they do not care which team will land Conley, so long as they collect the bounty. This opens up a lot of interesting scenarios since the best bet, most probably, will be the one that will land Conley in the offseason.
Conley was drafted fourth overall by the Grizzlies in 2007, and he had played for the team since. As for his performance last season, he posted 21.1 points, 6.4 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 70 games.
