Successively disappointing conclusion to the Utah JazzSeason – in what he hurt for a lot of it – Mike Conley is set to open in the NBA Independent Agency this summer. Despite being injured during most of the Utah playoff run, he returned for the final game and contributed as much as he was physically able to do.
Having been part of that Utah jazz roster for the past couple of seasons, Conley is now looking for a new one after two consecutive seasons in which jazz lost a huge lead in the series that ended with an earlier than expected playoff exit At home. With Mike Conley going to have a lot of suitors this summer, let’s take a look at the top five free agent destinations for him in the NBA Free Agency 2021.
Mike Conley Trade Goals:
Los Angeles Lakers
After plagued by injuries and inefficient play throughout the second half of the season Los Angeles Lakers are facing a major roster overhaul this summer, and one area they’ll be looking for a big boost is the point guard spot. With Dennis Schroder and Alex Caruso coming to the freelance agent market in 2021, they have a huge void to fill in their back room. Step into Mike Conley, a battle-hardened veteran with strong playoff experience, terrific perimeter and ball defense, and high IQ playmaking ability.
He would make a great veteran trio with LeBron James and Anthony Davis that would also give that team the seasoned point guard leadership they badly needed last season. In Mike Conley, the Lakers would also have a clutch hit, which would be another strong option for them outside of James and Davis in a crisis situation.
The addition of Mike Conley to this Lakers roster could earn them yet another trip to the NBA finals.
Washington magician
With rumors of Westbrook floating around the trading bloc, the Washington Wizards will most likely need a new backmate for Bradley Beal. This is where the signing of Mike Conley comes in, who gives them a strong and positive dressing room presence and a accomplished veteran who has always won the respect of his teammates.
With Mike Conley, the Wizards add another all-star caliber player who can serve as a strong mentor to a young and developing team while providing Beal with much-needed scoring and playmaker relief. A start five from Beal, Conley, Hachimura, Bertans and Bryant would give the Wizards a perfect blend of seasoned stars, youth and athleticism that would make the Wizards a top 4 team in the Eastern Conference and a Dark Horse title contender .
New Orleans Pelicans
A team on shaky ground after franchise star Zion Williamson and his family recently expressed displeasure New Orleans Pelicans must do everything to please their superstar. The addition of Mike Conley would give them a reliable option at the point guard spot where he could mentor this young team as well. A pick-and-roll combo from Mike Conley and Williamson would be electric, and with Conley’s strong defensive presence on the perimeter, this team could really make headway.
With this move, they could get a playoff spot for the first time in Zion’s young basketball career. Mike Conley would also contribute to a dynamic backcourt with Bledsoe, while providing the Pelicans with another efficient goalscorer alongside Williamson and Ingram. This might not be a complete game changer, but it is a start to giving Williamson a strong supporting role that would improve their playoff odds and give them an upgrade from Lonzo Ball.
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls, who are now fully committed to their star duo LaVine and Vucevic, will do everything in their power to surround their stars with a strong supporting cast. With Mike Conley they would have the perfect player to complement the skills of LaVine and Vucevic. A clutch combo guard with a well-rounded defensive that creates both a strong backcourt with Zach LaVine and an excellent 1-2 punch with Nikola Vucevic, similar to the one he had with Marc Gasol in Memphis.
In an effort to improve their playoff push in the top-heavy Eastern Conference, Mike Conley’s inclusion could easily get them into the lower half of the playoff picture. A trio of LaVine, Conley, and Vucevic would turn them into a Dark Horse playoff threat very capable of causing a surprise. If the Bulls want to get back into the playoff mix, this is something they should definitely consider.
Utah Jazz
If there’s one move out there that Mike Conley is considering making the most sense, it’s a new deal with Jazz. He has already built a great relationship with Mitchell and Gobert and adds to their great mix of youth, athleticism, depth and experienced leadership. A good backmate with Donovan Mitchell, he completes the starter five and gives that team a strong chance to win a title for the first time in the history of its franchise.
Granted, they’ve had a tough time the last couple of seasons, but Mike Conley, returning with this deep and dangerous pile would give them more motivation to come over the hump and go all the way next season.
If jazz wants this badly enough, they’ll do whatever it takes to get Mike Conley back in the mix for this up and coming Utah jazz squad.
