Mike Conley sounds like a guy that wants to continue playing point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, but only if the front office is willing to do a couple of things this offseason.
The first being to pay him. Conley, an unrestricted free agent this summer, has been vastly underpaid the last few seasons despite playing at an All-Star level. He’s probably deserving of a max contract, but do the Grizzlies think so?
Conley mentioned that he felt he had outplayed his current contract. Money isn’t everything but it isn’t nothing, either.
— Peter Edmiston (@peteredmiston) April 25, 2016
The second is to bring in some free agents. The Grizzlies are going to have the cap space to pursue free agents this summer, which they’re going to need after starting 28 different players this season because of injuries.
Memphis made the playoffs but was an early exit after being swept by the San Antonio Spurs in four games. Aside from Conley, center Marc Gasol and forward Zach Randolph, the Grizzlies are lacking in star power. They’re going to need more to compete in the West next season.
Conley: “That’s going to be one of the deciding factors, if I believe they’re going to (sign guys) or if they do it right off the bat.”
— Peter Edmiston (@peteredmiston) April 25, 2016
Conley is, by far, the Grizzlies’ top priority in free agency, but if the front office drags its feet, he could easily entertain going somewhere else. The New York Knicks have interest and so will other teams. But right now, the Grizzlies need to play ball with Conley if they hope to keep him around.
