NBA: Mike Conley Jr. “Traded” to Utah

Welcome NBA fans!

It has been rumored last season that Memphis will trade their franchise player, Mike Conley Jr. to a team that needs a shot creator and shooter. After months of rumors and speculation, the Utah Jazz finally got their man.

Mike Conley Jr. is heading to the Utah Jazz.

Reported by both Shams Charania from The Athletic and ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Memphis Grizzlies are shipping Conley to Utah for Kyle Korver, Grayson Allen, a 23rd pick, and a future first-round pick. Shams was the first to deliver this story, while Woj gave us more details.

Shams broke the news of Memphis franchise star Mike Conley heading to Utah.

Woj gave more insight surrounding the Mike Conley trade down below.

I am very pleased with this trade.

First, Utah desperately needs another shot creator and shooter to help fit their team. After losing to the Houston Rockets in the first round in five games, it was evident that rising star Donovan Michell needed a backcourt mate who can make it easier for him and be a floor general.

What makes Conley unique is his ability to see the floor and shoot at a high level. Last season, Conley averaged 21.1 points and 6.4 assists per game, shot 36.4 percent from three, and played solid defense. Furthermore, he is an elite guard in the league who should’ve been an All Star by now.

Since the West is wide open, Utah believes that they are ready to win it all now with Mike Conley Jr. on the team. With a Defensive Player of The Year in Rudy Gobert, an elite shooter and shot creator in both Donovan Michell and Mike Conley, Utah is poised to be on top.

With the acquisition of Conley, Michell can be a great shooting guard and be a closer. It is safe to say that Utah will not be needing anymore players in free agency.

The "Grit N' Grind" Era is Over!

The reason is, Conley will make $32.5 million next season, and has a player option of $34.5 million in the 2020 to 2021 season to pick up. In all likely hood, Conley will opt-in to his $32.5 million, which takes Utah out of free agency. It’s not like Utah had the best assets to trade for a max-level player. Even though Conley’s contract is expensive, Utah had their eyes set on him and got their man.

In return, the Grizzlies received a promising core of players for their rebuild. These players will be built around Grizzlies future stars in Ja Morant (#2 pick in the draft) and Jaren Jackson Jr. With Conley leaving the Grizzlies for good, the “grit n’ grind” era has officially ended. From now on, Memphis will be facing new challenges ahead and encounter greater teams.

ESPN's Bobby Marks reported about Memphis deciding what to do with their two veterans in free agency. Both Avery Bradley and Kyle Korver will either be waived or be traded to a playoff team. I can name one team who will use their services and they are the Los Angeles Lakers.

Right now, the Lakers are in need of depth and would use Korver’s shooting for their almost empty roster. In Bradley’s case, he will be perfect for them in the guard spot. He can be both a shooter and defensive help for them right now.

Overall, this Mike Conley trade worked out well for both parties. Memphis let go of their beloved franchise player, who was loyal to the end. Utah got what they wanted and is now in the driver's seat to become one of the top teams in the West.

A new era in Memphis has just begun.

That's all the news I have for you today!

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