Rudy Gobert left for Wolves, Donovan Mitchell on the shelves of the Knicks, the Jazz continues its reconstruction and many faces could have disappeared at the start of the school year. This is particularly the case of Mike Conley, insistently announced in the departure rumors.
What will Utah’s starting five look like when it resumes? Last year Mike Conley, Donovan Mitchell, Bojan Bogdanovic, Royce O’Neale and Rudy Gobert were Quin Snyder’s favorite quintet. In October 2022, none of these boys may be in Salt Lake City. Rudy Gobert and Royce O’Neale have already been traded (to Minnesota and Brooklyn respectively), Donovan Mitchell is New York’s number one target (discussions may take time according to Adrian Wojnarowski), Bojan Bogdanovic has been linked to Toronto and should see other teams take an interest in his case. So that leaves Mike Conley. The former Memphis legend seems to be seeing the end of the course getting closer in Utah. Extended last summer for three years and 68 million dollars, the leader imagined playing the leading roles with the Jazz for some time. No luck, reconstruction has been decreed among the Mormons and his case should quickly be put on the table. With Will Hardy in charge, Utah wants to start from scratch and focus on youth above all else. The still recent proof with Danny Ainge asking for Quentin Grimes, Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin and Miles McBride at the Knicks against Spida. At almost 35, he will have them in October, Conley clearly does not embody the future and the front office could be tempted to exchange him to save money and offer his playing time to young people in the making. Guest of Marc Stein’s live Spotify (New York Times), Tony Jones de The Athletic confirmed this desire on the part of the leaders.
“I know the Jazz have spoken to teams about Mike Conley. I don’t know how many teams are still on the Mike Conley file today. »
All-Star for the first time in 2021, Mike Conley remains a very correct player today. A solid defender, effective from afar and a good playmaker, he can be of real service to many teams. Nevertheless, he comes out of his worst statistical season in almost 10 years (13.7 points, 5.3 assists, 3 rebounds) and we felt a real slowdown in him this year, even if he was spared injuries for once (72 games played on a regular basis). Rather annoying for someone who will receive almost 23 million next year and 24 the following season (only 14 million are fully guaranteed over the last year). To see which team will want to invest in the veteran and especially for what consideration. Cleveland’s name leaked to the media a week ago, with the possibility of a Collin Sexton deal. Given the experience of the boy, his experience in the Playoffs (73 career games), we would not be surprised if other teams aiming for the Top 8 are interested in his case. Case to follow.
Will Mike Conley be the next domino to fall in Utah? After Rudy Gobert and Royce O’Neale, the leader is increasingly cited in rumors. Time for a fresh start for the Grit and Grind alum?
Source texte : Marc Stein / Tony Jones