Mike Conley
Perhaps the biggest name on this list, Mike Conley could be the ideal pure point guard for the Jazz. Fellow J-Noter Jared Woodcox summed up his fit with Utah as follows —
"Not only can Conley score the ball extremely well, but he’s an electric passer and an even better defender. His lock-down abilities on the perimeter would fit like a glove with Coach Snyder’s defensive schemes, making him an absolutely riveting addition for the Jazz on that end."
That sounds spot-on to me, and the Jazz could legitimately make a play for his services if they’re so inclined. After all, Grizzlies owner Robert Pera informed both he and former All-Star Marc Gasol that the Grit n’ Grind duo will be mentioned in potential trade talks as Memphis looks to hit the reset button.
For the year, Conley is putting up 20 points and six assists per game. He’s also a career 38-percent 3-point shooter and, even on the wrong end of 30, he remains a plus defender. The big downside is his deal, which will pay him $32.5 million next season and $34.5 million if he opts in for 2020-21.
That ends up being a crippling sum if he starts to decline or can’t stay healthy, which has been a recurring problem throughout his career. He’s played in 50 games already this season, but was limited to 12 last season due to a bone intrusion in his left heel and was hampered by a bum Achilles in 2015-16.
All that aside, peak Conley is a dream fit at point guard for the Utah Jazz. And, sooner or later, you have to spend money if you want elite-level talent. I, for one, prefer a younger, cheaper Holiday, if you can make it happen.