Report: Spurs expected to make run at Mike Conley in free agency
Kevin Durant isn't the only free-agent gem the San Antonio Spurs have their eyes on, as it appears the franchise will also make a run at current Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley this summer, according to ESPN's Marc Stein.
The 28-year-old floor general missed the last 20 games of the regular season for the 42-40 Grizzlies with tendinitis in his left Achilles, as well as all four of their playoff games against the San Antonio Spurs in the opening round.
Despite his problematic 2015-16 campaign, Conley is still considered to be the top prize for teams looking to acquire some help at the point guard position. He's never been an All-Star during his nine years in the league, although his numbers during that span have consistently warranted strong consideration for a Grizzlies team which is always in the thick of things in the Western Conference playoff picture.
Memphis management has expressed confidence in its ability to keep Conley with the organization. However, the Ohio State alumnus wants to see the Grizzlies make moves to vault back into title contention before reaching a verdict on his future.
Conley averaged 15.3 points on 42.2 percent shooting, 6.1 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.2 steals with a player efficiency rating of 19.4 in 56 games this season - numbers which are all on par with what he's produced in Memphis throughout his career.
Should he sign elsewhere, Conley will end his tenure with the Grizzlies as the franchise leader in games played (637), assists (3,578), and steals (963). He also ranks second in total points (8,635) behind Pau Gasol (8,966).
The Spurs were bounced from the postseason on Thursday in a 113-99 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.