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Memphis Grizzlies’ NBA Trade Rumors Could Boost Indiana Amid Victor Oladipo Injury

By Christian Dudley

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 17: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on October 17, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 17: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on October 17, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Memphis Grizzlies
Mike Conley of the Memphis Grizzlies finds himself in NBA Trade Rumors (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Trade Option One

On the Memphis Grizzlies’ end, word is now out that the Front Office is open to trading Marc Gasol and/or Mike Conley. This duo has had an amazing run over the years, but all good things must come to a close at some point.

Initially, Pacers fans are probably salivating at the thought of bringing Conley back to his hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana. Still, that is a pipe dream being as his contract is far too large. He is owed $30 million this season and it only grows from here.

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Just to get the idea of Mike Conley in Pacers’ blue & gold out of the way, this is one of the very few “somewhat realistic” scenarios that is feasible per league rules. Again, it is difficult to make room for Conley’s deal, and it makes it more difficult as Indiana should not want to change their roster’s landscape very much.

Mike Conley is a two-way talent that would fit perfectly even with Oladipo on the sidelines. One of Conley’s top strengths over the years has been the ability to play off-the-ball and mesh well with another guard that is treated as the primary ball-handler.

With Darren Collison exiting, it would be Cory Joseph manning the starting point guard position for the Pacers. Mike Conley could then fill Victor’s shooting guard role. It would be a major upgrade of what Mike has dealt with in the backcourt this season with the likes of Shelvin Mack as his running mate. Joseph more of a playmaker where as Mack is always looking to hoist shots quickly.

In the secondary unit, rookie Aaron Holiday — brother of the Memphis Grizzlies’ Justin Holiday — is guy that can control the basketball while Conley finds open looks after fighting through screens. Indy has been attempting to find playing time for Holiday as he has impressed in spot minutes, and this move enables him to be unleashed to a further extent.

Here the Indiana Pacers are unable to unload Collison’s expiring contract for a slightly cheaper expiring contract belonging to the Grizzlies’ JaMychal Green. Still, is it worth jeopardizing cap relief in the 2019-20 season by taking on Conley’s large contract? Well, it all depends on how much one is willing to bank on No. 11’s health. It likely would be a bet not worth risking the loss of a top-20 defender in Thaddeus Young.

The luxury of landing Mike Conley would be nice if you are an Indiana Pacers fan, but it would probably be a quick denial by Indy’s Front Office once they realize the key pieces that would have to be shipped to Memphis.

Now on to more likely scenarios…

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