Young people need guidance. They need someone to show them the ropes. NBA players are no exception. Coming into the league, a young player needs veteran mentors. They need guidance on how to proceed in the league.
The San Antonio Spurs are going to want veterans around. After all, they just drafted Victor Wembanyama with the first overall pick in the NBA draft. He’s going to need someone to show him the ropes.
If that player can fill a functional basketball role for the team, that’s even better. The Spurs could use a point guard… How about Mike Conley of the Minnesota Timberwolves?
The Trade Proposal
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: G Devonte’ Graham, G/F Reggie Bullock, 2024 Second-Round Pick (LAL via SAS), 2025 Second-Round Pick (TOR via SAS), 2025 Second-Round Pick (CHI via SAS)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: G Mike Conley
Of course, Wembanyama isn’t just any NBA prospect. He may be generational. The Spurs need to handle him with care. We’ve seen talented players led astray by poor organizational practices. It’s critical that they succeed in ushering Wembanyama into the NBA.
Have the Timberwolves mishandled Karl-Anthony Towns? That might be an overstatement. He’s one of the best offensive big men in the NBA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Mike Conley, Minnesota Timberwolves & San Antonio Spurs Updates
On the other hand, he’s never found his footing on the defensive end. We’re not placing all of the blame with Minnesota, or with Towns. We’ll simply say that Towns could have possibly used a veteran to guide him. Should the Wolves trade one away?
Why The Minnesota Timberwolves Do The Deal
It’s hard to say. The Timberwolves certainly don’t have any pressing need to move Conley. After all, he’s a solid player and a solid veteran. If they’re going to move him, they need to be getting good value in return.
In this deal, they are. Three second-round picks are a substantial return for an aging player on an expiring contract. If the Wolves shopped Conley, this is among the best offers they’d get.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Mike Conley, Minnesota Timberwolves & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Meanwhile, they can still use Graham and Bullock. These are both useful rotation players. Should the Spurs give so much up for Conley?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
Some Spurs fans may question our logic here as well. They’re trading two veterans, and one of them is a point guard…because they need a veteran point guard?
Well, all point guards are not created equally, and neither are all veterans. Conley is a consummate professional. Wembanyama and the rest of this young core will benefit from being around him. They’ll also benefit on the basketball court. Conley may be aging, but he’s still a heady veteran and a reliable floor spacer.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Mike Conley, Minnesota Timberwolves & San Antonio Spurs Updates
In fact, he seems exactly like the type of player Head Coach Gregg Popovich would like. Conley could provide the Spurs with a model for the type of point guard they want in the future. In the meantime, he’ll provide some veteran guidance.
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