Phoenix Suns: Pros and cons of trading for Mike Conley
Con: Decline is coming
Did we mention that Mike Conley is on the wrong side of 30 yet? Because as much as he’s still an effective player now, he’d be under contract through his age-33 season (assuming he didn’t exercise his early termination option for the 2020-21 season). That means they’re not really trading for who he is currently, but who he’ll be over the next two seasons.
Conley’s game should age well, even as his athleticism and defense begins to decline, but when factoring in his age, injury history and the drop-off every good player has seen over the last five years after joining the Suns, there’s a chance his decline would be noticeable.
Gotten a lot of Suns suggestions.
— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) January 23, 2019
One thing here: the Grizzlies owe it to Mike to send him somewhere that isn’t Phoenix. No offense, just, I mean, he’s got to go somewhere with something to play for. If he’s going to be on a bad team, he might as well stay home. https://t.co/jUTEloMg54
Not convinced? Maybe Conley stays motivated in Phoenix, relishing the idea of playing alongside Booker and helping this young team take the next step. Maybe the Suns’ training mafia keeps him away from injuries, much like they did with Steve Nash and Grant Hill in their late 30s.
However, that’s a lot of maybes, and it’s no secret players have struggled producing positive results for the Suns lately. Goran Dragic, Isaiah Thomas, Markieff Morris, Marcus Morris, Eric Bledsoe, Jared Dudley, Tyson Chandler, possibly Trevor Ariza … the list of ex-Suns who immediately thrived elsewhere, usually after leaving Phoenix on less than stellar terms, is extensive.
Whether due to Father Time, Uncle Injury or Cousin Suns Curse, Mike Conley won’t be the same player he’s been this season. Decline is coming, and that has to be factored into the team’s approach on a potential trade with a franchise that’s already boxed in on its options.