NBA Draft 2019: Memphis Grizzlies Can Add Another First-Round Pick By Trading Mike Conley

Realistic Options

Now we get into the three teams that could become realistic landing spots for Mike Conley. They also have first-round picks that would still intrigue the Grizzlies, but not high enough to be the only asset coming back to Memphis. The ability to add a mid-first-round pick could be valuable going forward.

Utah Jazz (No. 23)

The Utah Jazz are the clear favorite to land Mike Conley and the have the No. 23 pick in the first-round. These teams were rumored to be close to a deal prior to the trade deadline in February and it has been reported that the Jazz will be making another push to acquire Conley this summer.

Ricky Rubio has been a solid point guard for them, but he isn’t going to cut it when going up against elite point guards in a playoff series. The 23rd pick by itself won’t be enough to trade for Conley, but if they add in a young asset like Grayson Allen that would be an option that the Grizzlies should consider.

Indiana Pacers (No. 18)

The Indiana Pacers are another team that could strongly consider trading for Mike Conley. They have the 18th pick in the draft that they could offer which is a good starting point. The Pacers have a lot of free agents they have to worry including key players such as Darren Collison and Bojan Bogdanovic, but if they want to trade for Conley they’ll be able to make it happen.

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With Victor Oladipo coming off an injury he very possibly could miss time to start the season and bringing in Conley to help keep them afloat before he returns would be good. If they play together they also would form one of the best backcourts in the NBA if healthy. They would become contenders in the Eastern Conference.

Miami Heat (No. 13)

The Miami Heat are probably more of a long shot for Mike Conley, but their No. 13 pick could be somewhat available. They have Goran Dragic still needing to decide on his player option. If he does decide to go elsewhere then they could opt to trade that pick for Conley. The Heat aren’t in a great position to become a contender, but Pat Riley isn’t one who is going to sit back and let this team struggle.

He is known for making big moves and trading for Conley is just that. They have some good young players in Josh Richardson and Bam Adebayo and adding a star point guard to the mix could be enough to get them back into the postseason. They might not have a ton of assets they’re willing to trade, but this is a pick the Grizzlies should consider trading for.

If the Grizzlies were to trade for one of these picks they have a few players that they could consider. Guys such as Rui Hachimura and Keldon Johnson could be options at No. 13, while Tyler Herro and Cam Johnson are a couple of potential targets later on. Even if they don’t make a trade prior to the draft don’t be surprised if they make a deal to acquire another rookie.