The Memphis Grizzlies’ asking price for point guard Mike Conley in trade talks could ultimately be too high for the Utah Jazz.
The NBA trade deadline is just 24 hours away and the Utah Jazz are reportedly still engaged with the Memphis Grizzlies on potentially acquiring star point guard Mike Conley. However, if the Jazz want to come away with the 31-year-old, they may have to pay a hefty sum.
According to the New York Times’ Marc Stein, Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace is aiming to get multiple first-round picks in any deal for Conley.
Memphis is said to be seeking multiple first-round picks in exchange for Conley ... and we have seen two deals in the last week (Porzingis and Tobias) that had teams (Dallas and Philly) willing to go to those lengths
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 6, 2019
Obviously, that’s a big ask from the Grizzlies front office. Tobias Harris and Kristaps Porzingis may have commanded multiple firsts in their deals, but the situation with Conley and his suitors is entirely different.
Conley is a great point guard — he’s currently putting up 20 points and six dimes per game while shooting 37 percent from distance — but there are risks involved in acquiring him. To put it plainly, he’s an aging backcourt player with a significant injury history.
Moreover, his contract could a bitter pill to swallow despite all he does on the court.
Conley will make $30.5 million this season, which is more than Kevin Durant will take home and makes him the 10th highest paid player in the Association. Next season, that number jumps to $32.5 million and the following year it hits 34.5 (assuming he doesn’t exercise his early termination option).
According to The Athletic’s Tony Jones, the Jazz’s “final” offer includes expiring contracts, presumably those of Ricky Rubio and Derrick Favors, a first-round pick and a second-round pick. Jones also reports that the Grizz inquired on Dante Exum, but were rebuffed by Jazz GM Dennis Lindsey.
Clearly, that’s not the multiple first-round picks, but it seems unlikely that the Grizzlies will get as much from anyone. Also — there’s no questioning the Jazz’s continued belief in Exum as a player. We’ll find out whether the Grizzlies relent on their requirement over the next 24 hours.
In addition to Utah, the Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons may still be vying for Conley as well.
Stay tuned to The J-Notes throughout the day for updates on the Conley situation as information becomes available.