Written by Matt Moore at CBSSports.com
Kevin Durant is the biggest free agent available this summer, that’s no surprise. Al Horford, too, is the kind of player who can shift a franchise’s future. But maybe the most intriguing free agent outside of Durant is Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley.
Here’s what you need to know about Conley’s free agency summer.
CONLEY’S SITUATION
Conley is set to be a free agent in the biggest free agency money year of all time. He’s a veteran looking for a max contract. Conley has been with the Grizzlies since he was drafted in 2007, and has helped lead them to the playoffs for the last six seasons, making the Western Conference finals in 2013. He was instrumental in convincing Marc Gasol to re-sign on a five-year deal last summer.
When asked how difficult it would be to leave his friend Gasol, on a 1-to-10 scale, Conley replied “an 11.” For his part, Gasol told CBS Sports earlier this year that Conley needs to take emotion out of it, and he’ll support his friend’s decision no matter what, but clearly, Conley’s relationship not only with Gasol, but fellow Grit-Grind stars Tony Allen and Zach Randolph will play a part in his decision.
Conley is not seeking superstar status in one of the league’s big markets. He’s also not someone who loves change or attention. He’s comfortable in Memphis, and has enjoyed being a part of something special in the community. The Grizzlies aren’t just a team competing for an NBA title, they’re a pillar of the community in Memphis that has made a real difference in the city.
At the same time, Conley will be 29 next summer. This is likely his last major contract. He’s seeking a five-year maximum deal if he stays with the Grizzlies, according to reports, and said at his exit interviews that part of his decision on whether to stay will be based on what the Grizzlies intend to do, or realistically can do, in free agency to augment the team and add shooters to help them contend.
There is some speculation that Conley is not worth the max, based on his injury status and the fact he’s not a big-time scorer. Setting aside his top-level leadership and floor generalship which is vital to everything the Grizzlies do (Marc Gasol has to get the ball in order to do anything with it), Conley’s a solid shooter (37 percent from 3-point range for his career for a team that has always struggled to hit 3’s), and a top flight defender. He’s smart, savvy, with change-of-pace moves and able to finish in traffic.
Even if you want to make the argument that Conley’s not worth the max in a vacuum, he’s definitely worth the max A) in this market, and B) to the Grizzles. He’s getting paid.
THE GRIZZLIES’ SITUATION
Memphis remains incredibly confident about it chances to retain Conley. GM Chris Wallace has said several times what he told CBS Sports earlier this year, that Memphis has never failed to retain their own free agents during this Grit-Grind run. They’ve extended Conley, re-signed Zach Randolph twice along with Marc Gasol and and Tony Allen. They haven’t lost a core player, despite their market disadvantage.
The Grizzlies offer Conley continuity, the most money, his good friend Gasol, a chance to cement a legacy in Memphis, which he has said matters to him, and a team that has made the playoffs six straight years.
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