The Miami Heat could be tempted by a potential trade for Mike Conley.
This is sure to bother some fans, given his price tag. But it’s very possible that there’s a trade that makes sense between the Utah Jazz and Miami Heat for Mike Conley. The point guard’s entering his 13th NBA season and is slated to make $34-million for the 2020-2021 campaign.
Conley’s first and only season with the Jazz wasn’t without its challenges. He saw a dramatic drop off from his days as a cornerstone for the Memphis Grizzlies, but he’s also had to share ball-handling duties with young, up and coming All-Star Donovan Mitchell.
Conley put together a strong regular season behind averages of 14.4 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game while shooting 41 percent from the field and 38 percent from deep. But Utah gave up a 3-1 lead to the Denver Nuggets, ultimately losing Game 7 in the first round.
They’ll be looking to make changes to this roster, that prior to the season’s start was thought of as a legitimate contender behind the arrival of Conley and the Bojan Bogdanovic signing. Now, the front office is facing extensions for both Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, coming off a first-round exit.
Dealing for Conley also provides an out to shed salary in the form of veterans Andre Iguodala or Kelly Olynyk, who Utah could be talked into if they’re determined to move their point guard.
Above all else, Mike Conley is a game manager, and he’s only on the books for next season, leaving any and all hopes alive for a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo/Victor Oladipo signing in 2021.