Mike Conley (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The San Antonio Spurs could be the "dark horse" for signing free agent Mike Conley this summer.
According to Basketball Insider's Steve Kyler, the Spurs could be the "dark horse" for landing Conley, one of the top talented players in this year's free agency. While Kyler did mention Conley could be "financially motivated" to give the Grizzlies one more year to become a 10-year player in 2017, the Spurs could be willing to break apart some of their core to acquire a talented player like Conley.
"The dark horse in the Conley race is the Spurs. More than a few league insiders have pegged the Spurs as having more than a passing interest in Conley as a free agent and, much like with Durant, they are prepared to break apart some of their core to lock in another high level player," Kyler wrote.
Following a disappointing exit in the playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Spurs find themselves looking for another high level player to go along with LaMarcus Aldridge and Kawhi Leonard. With Tony Parker being slowed down by age, the Spurs could certainly use a young and athletic point guard in Conley, who has helped the Grizzlies to six-straight playoffs appearances.
"Adding Conley would form a Big Three to be reckoned with alongside Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge, and under the genius basketball mind of Gregg Popovich, it's hard to see that group not winning multiple championships," Hoops Habit's Colby Giacubeno wrote.
Conley, who averaged 15.3 points and 6.1 assists with the Grizzlies this season, would be a perfect fit playing the Spurs' brand of basketball with his ability to score and make plays without needing much of the ball in his hands. The nine-year NBA veteran also brings the defensive intensity Parker the Spurs' point guard rotation has been lacking.
The San Antonio only has a projected $15.3 million of salary cap space, which would probably be not enough for the max contract Conley is seeking this summer. But if winning a championship is truly Conley's priority, joining the Spurs gives him the best shot at winning a title, with the franchise consistently considered as top contenders in the league.
