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Grizzlies legend tabbed as viable trade target for top title contender

By Mark Nilon

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 16: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies dribbles the ball against the Washington Wizards in the second half at Capital One Arena on March 16, 2019 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 16: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies dribbles the ball against the Washington Wizards in the second half at Capital One Arena on March 16, 2019 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Though he may no longer be a member of the Memphis Grizzlies, Mike Conley is still a beloved figure amongst the Grind City faithful and one recently proposed idea would see the legendary point guard finally be thrust into a prime position to take home that highly coveted Larry O’Brien Trophy.

Ben Grunert of BSB’s sister-site Hardwood Houdini suggested that the Boston Celtics should strongly consider the idea of pursuing the current Minnesota Timberwolves veteran to fill the void at the one that was created with Marcus Smart’s trade to the Grizzlies earlier this offseason.

"“The Boston Celtics shouldn’t hesitate to call Minnesota about a potential trade for Conley. In the wake of Smart’s departure, Boston would welcome such a team-oriented point guard with open arms. The 35-year-old southpaw is a three-time Sportsmanship Award winner and former Teammate of the Year,” Grunert wrote.“Conley’s longtime role as a leader of the grit-and-grind Grizzlies established his admirable nature as a competitor. The former All-Defensive guard helped instill a defensive culture in Memphis that Boston can mirror or even surpass – as they have in previous years. Out of Minnesota’s seven most-used lineups from last season, only three boasted defensive ratings of 101.0 or lower. Two of these lineups included Conley."

Grunter would continue on to state that the ex-Grizzlies guard would “do wonders for the Beantown offense,” particularly highlighting his pick-and-roll abilities, which generated 1.25 points per possession last season (top-rank in the association of those boasting 40 or more such possessions).

https://twitter.com/Timberwolves/status/1646005910278643715?s=20

Considering Marcus Smart is now a member of the Grizzlies, Malcolm Brogdon’s questionable health, and youngster Payton Pritchard’s trade desires, it’s not surprising that Boston is now being urged to pursue a deal for the trusty Mike Conley.

Despite being 35 years old and heading into his 17 season in the association, the veteran guard still seems to have plenty left in his tank that, in turn, could be of great service to the point guard-needy Celtics.

Last season, Conley was incredibly efficient on the floor, posting impressive averages of 18.7 points, 10.6 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per 100 possessions while shooting 38.5 percent from distance all while coughing up just 2.4 turnovers in these parameters.

He would continue to produce at an incredibly impactful level for the T-Wolves’ during the postseason, as he finished their run with 12.0 points, 6.4 assists, and 2.6 rebounds while shooting 47.6 percent from the floor and an astounding 45.5 percent from deep.

Adding a no-ego, highly committed/ productive floor general like the Memphis legend to a Celtics roster already consisting of All-Star talents like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis would be a great move for the club to make and, as a result, it would give Mike Conley a great chance to legitimately compete for a championship as he fades into the twilight years of his NBA career.

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