The Grizzlies are sending Marc Gasol to Toronto, but won’t make a trade involving their other longtime star, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, who reports (via Twitter) that Memphis will hang onto Mike Conley through the deadline after discussing possible deals with multiple clubs.
The Jazz, Pistons, Raptors, and Pacers were among the clubs that reportedly had some level of interest in Conley, with Utah and Detroit making offers that featured first-round picks.
According to Michael Wallace of Grizzlies.com (Twitter link), Memphis will revisit the trade market for Conley in the summer. However, the club also isn’t opposed to the idea of keeping him beyond this season and retooling around Conley and Jaren Jackson moving forward.
Conley’s lucrative long-term contract with the Grizzlies runs through at least 2019/20, with a player option for 2020/21 which is a near lock to be exercised.
I really want to see teams with no playoff hopes trade these guys away. Make the playoffs more interesting
Smart. Conley isn’t going to be worth less this time next year. He’ll be the focal point of the offense next season in Memphis, so his numbers next year are going to look great. Combined with the fact his contract will be a year shorter, he’ll be a much better asset.
Not wrong but it will be a tough year and a half if so.
Context. There was already some complaint that when MEM broke up the grit n grind cast, that too much pressure was put on Conley to score, and maybe that got him injured last year. He was more comfortable as a facillitator, and obviously was well appreciated (compensated) for that role. They’ve always wanted him also as a role model & a draw. But a babysitter, after his group was broken up?
IMO Conley should keep his feet underneath him (not drive, stay healthy) and put his foot down (force his way out).