Memphis Grizzlies: What Does Mike Conley Trade Talk Mean?

The Memphis Grizzlies reportedly talked to the Detroit Pistons about a trade involving guard Mike Conley. Are they actually shopping him?

The Memphis Grizzlies have had trade talks with the Detroit Pistons involving star point guard Mike Conley according to Brian Geltzeiler of HoopsCritic.com.

Sources tell https://t.co/aPhi5p6MSL that Memphis and Detroit are discussing a deal centered around Mike Conley Jr....
— Brian Geltzeiler (@BGeltzNBA) February 17, 2016

Since then both Grizzlies General Manager Chris Wallace and Vice President of Operations John Hollinger have silenced those rumors and said they’re false.

@hoopscritic lol keep trying bro you'll get one of these by blind luck eventually.
— John Hollinger (@johnhollinger) February 17, 2016

Whether Geltzeiler had any kind of inside information isn’t actually known. Would the Pistons make a trade to acquire Conley?

The talks seem outlandish at first. Detroit has emerging star Reggie Jackson running the point and would certainly have to include him in any trade involving floor generals.

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Jackson is also under contract past this season while Conley’s deal is expiring, so any deal is foolish at best.

But what’s ignored here is that it makes sense for Memphis to do their due diligence and call around the league seeing what Conley’s value is on the market.

With Marc Gasol likely out for the season any playoff hopes for the Grizzlies are over at this point. Zach Randolph isn’t getting any younger and the team has already dealt Courtney Lee to the Charlotte Hornets in a three-team deal with the Miami Heat for guard P.J. Hairston and four second-round picks.

Is it time to rebuild in Memphis?

I’m not sure we need to immediately jump to that conclusion, but if the Grizzlies could get a significant package back for Conley then Memphis surely has to think about it. Gasol’s under contract and he’s a great player on any contending team. Surrounding him with new blood isn’t a bad idea in theory, but him and Conley have a strong bond with Randolph and guard Tony Allen. They’ve been together for years now and don’t want any ideas of separation to come into the thoughts of those in the front office.

Any talks are significant if they took place because it gives those outside of the Grizzlies’ upper management insight into where the future of the team is heading.

But take any rumors around this time with a grain of salt. Just because people have talked over the phone doesn’t mean they’re in “serious discussions” to send anyone anywhere.