NBA Rumors: Free Agents the Knicks Have Been Tied To
Pending: Mike Conley
Position: Point Guard
Age: 28
2015-16 Slash Line: .422/.361/.839
2015-16 Averages: 31.5 MPG, 15.2 PPG, 6.2 APG, 3.0 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 1.4 3PM
Career Averages: 32.5 MPG, 13.5 PPG, 5.6 APG, 2.9 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 1.2 3PM
The New York Knicks need a point guard, and the Memphis Grizzlies are expected to lose a borderline great one. Never an All-Star, but always ready for the biggest of moments, Mike Conley is headed towards a big payday during the summer of 2016.
According to Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News, Conley isn’t opposed to the idea of signing with the New York Knicks this coming summer.
Michael Conley on the Knicks in free agency: "Everything will be on the table when the time comes. I haven't committed to anything."
— Stefan Bondy (@SBondyNYDN) February 5, 2016
Conley will command quite the salary, but his being open to the idea of signing with the Knicks is telling and significant.
Despite losing Marc Gasol to a season-ending injury, Conley has the Grizzlies at 36-24 and in possession of the fifth-best record in the Western Conference. Memphis is 6-2 in the eight games it’s played without Gasol, and Conley is averaging 18.0 points and 6.6 assists during that stretch.
A proven postseason performer who has reached the Western Conference Finals and gone toe-to-toe with the best of the best, Conley’s value is clear.
In New York, Conley would be the perfect player to run point in the Triangle Offense. He’s a committed defender who can space the floor, serve as the primary ball-handler, work off-ball, and work the pick-and-roll as both a facilitator and midrange jump shooter.
Conley is interested in joining the Knicks, and with a targeted salary of $18 million per year, he fits into the Knicks’ budget.
Next: Current Free Agent No. 1