Report: Some in Memphis front office concerned Mike Conley may bolt in free agency

The general feeling around the league is that Mike Conley will remain in Memphis this summer. He’s a free agent and the best point guard available, but the sense is if Memphis makes a max offer as expected he probably stays put.

But we’re all tempted sometimes by the possibility of change.

Could Conley be thinking that way? That’s a growing concern in the Grizzlies front office, reports Ian Begley of ESPN.

...some members of the Grizzlies front office are growing a bit concerned about the possibility of Conley leaving in free agency, per a source with knowledge of the situation. Memphis, which plans on using a video featuring Grizzlies part-owner Justin Timberlake as part of its recruiting pitch, per a source, can offer Conley a five-year deal worth approximately $124 million. Other clubs can ink Conley to a max contract for four years worth approximately $92 million.

There should always be a little concern, unless your Mark Cuban trying to keep Dirk Nowitzki. But I’m not sold there should be much unless the Grizzlies try to pitch him on taking less than the max.

If Conley opens the door to other teams, the Knicks, Spurs, and other teams are said to be interested. He’s one of the best defensive point guards in the league, a smart floor general, he shot 36.3 percent from three, and he’s good at getting players the ball when and where they want it. He would have been an All-Star had the West not been loaded with other great point guards at the same time.

All of which is why the Grizzlies GM has said keeping Conley is their top priority.