NBA: 4 Best Possible Free Agency Fits For Mike Conley

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Dec 11, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) and center Marc Gasol (33) look on during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at FedExForum. The Hornets won 123-99. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

Memphis Grizzlies

The idea of a big-name player signing with a different team is what brings excitement to free agency, but it rarely happens. Players often feel a sense of loyalty to their current organization, and if they are considered playoff contenders, often times the player will opt to give that team another chance. Oh yeah, and a boatload of money to go with it makes that decision even easier.

On one hand, Conley is likely to keep Memphis high on his list simply because he has grown as a player and a man with that team. Not only that, but back around the time when Marc Gasol signed his max contract last summer, there were rumors that Conley was in Gasol’s ear promising him that once he signed on the dotted line, he too would re-sign once he became a free agent.

But Memphis had a disastrous season that caused a ton of shake-up within the roster and organization as a whole. The team was marred by injuries. Gasol broke his right foot in early February and would miss the remainder of the season, and Conley suffered an injury to his left foot in early April that would bring his season to a close.

Because of their success throughout the first four months of the season, they were able to finish seventh in the Western Conference and limp into the postseason. With an extremely short and weak roster, the Grizzlies were swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round.

To add to a disappointing season, the front office decided to relieve Dave Joerger of his head coaching duties.

If Conley decides to return to Memphis, they won’t have much cap space to bring in any other pieces and unfortunately with their current roster and style of play, a championship isn’t anywhere in the conversation. In fact, it looks as if they are beginning the process of a rebuild.

At this point in his career, Conley wants the opportunity to play for a championship and though Memphis may be out of the cards in that concern, his loyalty and his word have yet to be questioned.

Next: Immediate Contender