Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Conley, G, Memphis Grizzlies
It’s not the most likely of options, but Mike Conley would be an excellent target for the Phoenix Suns to solidify their point guard position. He is one of the few options out there that would provide a high-level all-around impact. It would be a costly option, but if the world-renowned Suns training staff could keep him healthy, then it would be worthwhile.
Conley only played in 12 games last season, but his 2016-17 production was impressive. During that season, he averaged 33.2 minutes, 20.5 points (46% FG, 40.8% 3P, 85.9% FT), 3.5 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.3 blocks, and 2.3 turnovers. The only players that matched his averages in point and assists that season included; James Harden, Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, John Wall, and Eric Bledsoe.
The Suns could use a legitimate secondary scoring threat next to Booker and Conley would be able to serve as exactly that. He was one of the most efficient high volume overall offensive players and one of the more efficient high volume scorers in 2016-17. He thrived as a pick-and-roll ball handler, in spot-up, in isolation, coming off screens, and in handoff sequences.
Conley and Booker both thrive as off-ball scoring threats and having each other would allow both of them to utilize those aspects of their skill-sets on a more frequent basis. It would be a great way for the Suns to be able to yield a significant improvement to their half-court offense as a whole and to help simplify the game for Booker.
It would be a new setting to have Conley in a fast-paced, spread offense with another high usage perimeter threat alongside him. I believe that those conditions would bring the best out of his skill-set and would help the Suns take a few steps forward from being the 30th ranked offensive team like they were last season.
The defensive impact that Conley makes would be a significant improvement compared to whatever Phoenix currently has based on their current options. Being able to add Conley along with other offseason additions like Trevor Ariza and Mikal Bridges, the Suns would be tremendously improved perimeter defensive group, and that would help simplify the transition to the league for Ayton.
The Suns would have to believe in Conley if they were to put together a trade package for him. He is set to earn roughly $30.5 million for the upcoming season, then around $32.5 million in 2019-20, and lastly, he has a player option in 2020-21 worth $34.5 million. It’s worth noting that he still would only be 32-years-old at the end of this contract.
A trade package is tough to gauge. The biggest concern is that Conley only played 12 games last season because he had heel surgery but Mike is expected to be ready for training camp. Something that could work for Phoenix would be to use young players outside of Booker, Ayton, or Josh Jackson in a consolidation style trade package.
Next Up: Patrick Beverley, G, Los Angeles Clippers
