Mike Conley (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Chicago Bulls could chase after Mike Conley in free agency as a potential replacement for Derrick Rose, who was traded to the New York Knicks earlier this week.
With Rose out in the Bulls' lineup, Chicago is expected to pursue top point guards available in the market. According to ESPN's Bradford Doolittle, one of the possible free agents the Bulls may target this summer is Conley, who is set to hit the market in July.
Doolittle marveled at Conley's skills seamlessly fitting to Bulls rising star Jimmy Butler, who now needs a backcourt partner to run Fred Hoiberg's playbooks.
"Conley would be a tremendous replacement for Derrick Rose in Chicago and an ideal backcourt partner for Jimmy Butler. Both can do a little bit of everything -- run the pick-and-roll, defend and play off the ball," Doolittle noted.
"Conley can space the floor when Butler initiates the offense, something Rose couldn't do. And Conley's ability to defend point guards would allow Butler to focus full time on wing defense, of which the Bulls are otherwise in short supply."
The Bulls have the salary cap space to sign Conley to a max deal, which is likely what the 28-year-old would seek come free agency. However, the Bulls are surely not the only team who will attempt to have Conley's signature. According to ESPN's Tim McMahon, the San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Mavericks could interest Conley this summer.
For Memphis to keep Mike Conley, the Grizzlies would have to commit to a five-year contract for the top point... https://t.co/cS6jJXSz4q
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) June 23, 2016
The Spurs would likely entice Conley by pitching a shot at to win a title alongside other All-Stars in Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge. But for the Spurs to make room for Conley, they may need to convince him to take less money or trade some of the players in their core.
The Mavs, on the other hand, could use Rick Carlisle as a factor to lure Conley, who reportedly has great respect to the Mavs coach. Unlike the Spurs, the Mavs have the better shot at signing Conley, with the team having $56.2 million of cap space, more than enough for Conley's max deal.
There is no confirmation yet whether Conley would truly consider the Bulls, but it would be interesting to see another talented PG in Chicago. And if Conley sorely wants a championship, he may be tempted to contemplate about moving to the East.
