NBA Draft 2019: Memphis Grizzlies Can Add Another First-Round Pick By Trading Mike Conley
By Chris Kern
The Hopefuls
The Memphis Grizzlies could look to pick up another top ten pick, but it does seem very unlikely. Here are three teams that could consider trading their first-round pick for Mike Conley, even though it is very unlikely.
Los Angeles Lakers (No. 4)
The Los Angeles Lakers have the 4th pick in the NBA Draft which very possibly could be used in a trade. The obvious candidate is Anthony Davis, but maybe they could even consider using it to trade for Mike Conley. They do have Lonzo Ball currently, but if they do decide to trade him then they could look to bring Conley to LA.
This deal isn’t very likely, but it could become an option for the Lakers. I would be very surprised if this was something they considered doing prior to the draft. If they draft someone such as Jarrett Culver or Cam Reddish then maybe these teams could discuss a potential deal if the Lakers strike out in free agency.
Phoenix Suns (No. 6)
The Phoenix Suns are another option with their 6th pick in the draft. They have needed a quality point guard for years and not having one has really stunted their progression. They have continued to build a good young core as they have two building blocks with Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton, but they need a quality point guard if they’re even going to compete for a playoff spot.
The better option for the Suns could be to draft a point guard at this spot such as Darius Garland, but no matter what they chose to do they need to address there need. They need to find themselves a floor general, and Conley could be that guy.
Chicago Bulls (No. 7)
The Chicago Bulls are another option for the Grizzlies as they have the 7th pick in the draft. They have a need at the point guard spot and they do already have a solid core headlined by players such as Zach Lavine, Otto Porter Jr., and Lauri Markkenen. If they can add a veteran point guard to the group then they’ll have a chance to compete for a playoff spot as soon as next season.
They do have options if they decide to keep the pick though with players such as Darius Garland and Coby White available. There’s a good chance that Garland is off the board here, but they should have a chance to draft Coby White. If for some reason they’re both off the board, they could look to trade for a point guard, and Mike Conley should be at the top of the list.
If the Grizzlies are able to secure one of these picks they have a few players that they could target. Players such as Jarrett Culver, Cam Reddish, and DeAndre Hunter would likely be at the top of their list. These were players they would’ve targeted if they stayed put at No. 8, but now if they want them they’ll have to trade for another first-round pick which is unlikely, but there is an outside shot.