The Memphis Grizzlies have finally decided that they are open to the idea of trading veteran point guard Mike Conley. Will they be able to make a deal?
It’s finally happened. Even though the decision may have been expected, this Woj Bomb still shocked the league when ESPN‘s Adrian Wojranowski reported that the Memphis Grizzlies are open to trading franchise cornerstones Mike Conley and Marc Gasol.
Woj opened up a bit more in his piece on ESPN, saying:
"“Memphis ownership and management have decided they’ve reached an organizational crossroads and are preparing to weigh deal scenarios on one or more of their cornerstone veterans.”"
The Grizzlies are said to be going for everything in trade discussions: young assets, draft picks and salary cap relief. This may prove to be a tall order, as Conley’s price tag is steep for the remaining years on his contract and his age make a trade a bit more difficult.
Here is how the rest of his contract breaks down:
- 2018-19: $30.5 million (31 years old)
- 2019-20: $32.5 million (32 years old)
- 2020-21: $34.5 million (33 years old)
Conley does have an early termination option for the last year on that contract, and his age and dollar amount make it unlikely he exercises that option unless he wants to go ring-chasing somewhere or is extremely unhappy with his situation.
Before diving into trade possibilities, remember the Grizzlies can be incredibly stubborn on deals. Last year during the Grizzlies’ tank-a-thon, general manager Chris Wallace didn’t deal red-hot Tyreke Evans, even though Evans was highly unlikely to return to the team the following season.
Wallace was holding out for a first round pick, but when one never materialized, no deal ever came through. That’s worth remembering, as the Grizz are surely going to be asking for the moon when dealing Conley or Gasol.
Let’s have a look at three trade possibilities for the former Buckeye.