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Memphis Grizzlies’ Conley Won’t Sign Extension This Summer

By Christian Dudley

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May 13, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks on after making a three point basket next to Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) during the second quarter in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Grizzlies 98-78. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies’ Mike Conley has made it known that he is not interested in signing an extension with the Grizz this offseason and will wait until next summer to negotiate a new deal.

Mike Conley is eligible to sign a contract extension with the Memphis Grizzlies this offseason; however, Mac-11 has no interest in doing so until next summer.

DON’T PANIC, Grizz Nation!

Mike has already made it clear that he wants to remain with the Memphis Grizzlies for the entire course of his NBA career. He even hopes that fellow teammate Marc Gasol chooses to do the same.

Why would Conley wait one full season/year instead of locking into a new deal now?

The answer is simple. It all comes down to money.

Mike Conley could only be offered a three-year, $32.5 million contract extension at this point in time. If he holds out and waits a year, once the NBA’s latest television deal kicks in and affects the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Conley would be in line to receive a deal with terms for a five-year, $140+ million contract offer.

The Grizzlies should be fine with Conley waiting to discuss a new contract. Their top priority needs to be keeping Big Spain in a Memphis uniform. He is now the first Grizzly to ever make the All-NBA First Team as well as the first Grizz player to ever start in the NBA All-Star Game. If Marc signs a multi-year deal this offseason with the Grizzlies, it will be a bargain deal for the club before the new TV deal goes into affect.

Feb 8, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley and center Marc Gasol prior to the game against the Atlanta Hawks at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

What do I believe will happen? I think Marc Gasol will sign a one-year deal with the Memphis Grizzlies. He will then become a free-agent again alongside Mike Conley. Next summer, I see the Grizz locking up both players long-term to keep them in Memphis. It is only right. Both Gasol and Conley mean so much to Memphis and the Grizzlies franchise and it would be devastating to see either–or yet both–leave the team and city for another destination.

MC is a smart man, plus his father is his agent. If I were in Conley’s shoes–of which I unfortunately am not–I would most certainly wait a year to sign a new contract, too. If Mike were to agree to an extension right now, he would potentially be losing out on two guaranteed years of playing commitments that would bring him an additional $100+ million.

At the very least, it is great to see that Mike Conley wants and wishes to remain with the Memphis Grizzlies. He is a tremendous point guard–one of the best guards in the entire NBA on both ends of the floor. He is an extremely tough player that has formed into a leader. Plus, Mike is still plenty underrated if you ask me. He has been on a bargain contract and Grizz Nation should be very thankful because he could easily be playing for double what he currently earns as a salary.

Take your time, Mike. Rest up this offseason and earn your first All-Star nod next season.

The Grizzlies will be waiting for Clutch Conley to sign on the dotted line.

Go Grizz!

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