Grizzlies veterans Marc Gasol and Mike Conley met with owner Robert Pera in Memphis this week to discuss the direction of the franchise, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
The meeting’s timing is significant with the trade deadline approaching and the possibility of Gasol being dealt. A report surfaced earlier this week indicated that Gasol is leaning toward unrestricted free agency this summer rather than exercising his $25.6MM option. Conley is signed through the 2020/21 season, though he holds a $34.5MM option on the final year of that deal.
Memphis traded two unprotected second-round picks to acquire swingman Justin Holiday from the Bulls earlier this month in order to turn around its fortunes. However, the club has a 19-25 record after losing nine of its last 10 games.
Several NBA teams have monitored Gasol’s possible availability, according to Charania. Gasol is averaging 15.4 PPG and 8.4 RPG. Conley is averaging 19.9 PPG and 6.2 APG after missing most of last season with a heel injury.
Conley’s contract would seemingly be tougher to move, if Memphis chose to shop him. He’s making $30.5MM this season.
The Grizzlies are working on a potential trade destination for forward Chandler Parsons, Charania notes. Parsons has been inactive even though he was cleared medically nearly a month ago. He has another season left on his deal, which is paying him $24.1MM this season and $25.1MM next season, but knee injuries have sidetracked his career.
The Grizzlies have a desirable asset in forward JaMychal Green, Charania adds. Green, a rotation big man, is making $7.66MM this season and has an expiring contract.
Shame. Conley looked like he might even make his first all star game, but that is not happening now. I love the grizzlies but they have closely followed the book on how to not set yourself up for success.
I just posted on the Griz elsewhere! Start with a new GM. Scapegoat him, which after all is not unwarranted. Let a new GM make the calls for the next era, which does not necessarily mean dispatching Conley/Gasol.
I don’t want to call Conley a bust but in my opinion he needs at least one all star team to not call him a failure.
Hard to make an all star team in the West until last yr.
Conley in the East would be an All Star player, but it’s too much talent in the West at the PG position.
Some people just don’t know what the word “bust” means
Green for Ellington
*Ellington and a pick of some kind
That would create a logjam at the bigmen positions in Miami. Suddenly you’d have to find PT for Johnson, Olynyk, Bam, Whiteside, and Green.
Olynyk stops playing the 4, and only plays the 5, Bam plays the 5, Whiteside does what he has been doing, which is nothing…JJ finally sees minutes at the 5. Only 2 options at the 4 for the Heat right now are JJ and Winslow, as Derrick Jones has proven to be better on the wing, as he cant guard certain guys at the 4
If Memphis’ plan to put off tanking until next season is still in play (and it should be, as it does not require making the playoffs), that makes Green a keeper. Or, if he’s traded, it has to be for real value that can help get two rotation players.
Knicks (assuming Gasol is gone)
-punt on next year free agency
-get Conley and Parsons and cap filler
-send out kanter THJ Lee mudiay and Vonleh and two 2nds
Would this work?
The Knicks could probably get Conley for one of their young PGs, at least if they do the deal this summer. No need to take on Parsons to get Conley, at least I can’t imagine that. Memphis has to know Conley is tough to move with his injury history and big contract.