Chicago Bulls: 3 point guard upgrade options to explore

2. Mike Conley

When the Memphis Grizzlies nabbed the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery, it set in motion a new reality for the franchise. Murray State’s Ja Morant will likely be the selection on draft night, triggering trade rumors about Mike Conley.

For the Bulls to acquire the longtime Grizzly, they would likely have to part with their first round pick this summer, the seventh overall selection, and assets. They would also acquire Conley’s contract, set at $32.5 million in 2019-20 and $34.5 million the following season.

The sense is that a trade for Conley would indicate that the Bulls front office believes this team is close to making a strong push for a playoff berth next season. If they are truly one piece away from contention, maybe adding a grizzled (pun intended) veteran like Conley makes sense.

Despite his contract and age (he’ll turn 32 next season), he just posted the best scoring season of his career at 21.1 points per game.

His 7.0 turnover ratio (seven turnovers per 100 possessions) would be an upgrade for the team over Dunn, as would his defensive rating, which was 96.9.

Conley wouldn’t necessarily be a risk for the Bulls, though giving up a top-10 pick should always give a team pause. The main issue regarding a Conley-Bulls union would be the contract and whether Chicago is at a stage where Conley makes sense.

If the Bulls determine that the finances can line up and the importance for a veteran lead guard is crucial, Conley could be a member of the Chicago Bulls next season.