Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley. (Photo : Getty Images)
With Mike Conley's impending Memphis exit in the coming free-agency season swirling around these past few days, NBA pundits have been predicting where the point guard might end up next season.
One of the speculated destinations for the 28-year-old former Ohio State standout is the Utah Jazz as the team is said to be looking for a veteran point guard that could lead their young core, but one who is also still youthful enough to stay with them for the long term.
Basketball Insiders reported that "some members of the Grizzlies front office are growing a bit concerned" about rumors that their starting point guard is intending to leave them this summer.
Conley just finished the final season of his five-year, $40 million contract with Memphis which will make him an unrestricted free agent this July. After averaging 15.3 points, 2.9 boards, 6.1 assists, and 1.2 steals in 31.4 minutes of playing time per night last season, rumors abound that several teams are intent in sending him an offer during free-agency, including the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, and San Antonio Spurs.
The Jazz may not be as accomplished as the teams mentioned above, but they are said to be one of the clubs that will pursue Conley in the offseason.
Fansided noted that while "Utah isn't the most desirable free agency destination at the current time as they have not made the playoffs with their current core" of Gordon Hayward, Derrick Favors, and Rudy Gobert, Conley may be interested in joining them potentially to become their undisputed leader both on the court and in the locker room.
The 2013 NBA All-Defensive Second Teamer certainly has the right for a team leadership position foremost because of the experience that he will bring if ever he joins the Jazz.
Conley has been in five straight postseasons from 2011 to 2015 until his participation was snapped by a left foot injury suffered before the playoffs this year. He has averaged 15.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.7 dimes in 50 playoff games so far in his career and at 28 he is still peaking.
Another major factor that could sway Conley to the Jazz is that Utah can afford to give him a max contract plus the option to add another one or two significant pieces in free-agency along with him.
Joining Utah may be a long shot for Conley, but it would not be completely surprising if he decides to sign with them this summer.
