NBA Rumors: LA Clippers interested in moving for Mike Conley
Despite going all-in on trying to contend, the LA Clippers sit at just 23-22 and sixth in the Western Conference. As a result, there has been a lot of speculation about the Clippers potentially upgrading their point guard and center positions.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, one name to look out for ahead of the trade deadline is Utah Jazz veteran point guard Mike Conley.
“The Clippers, league sources say, are exploring trade options to fortify their frontcourt beyond Ivica Zubac, but that’s not all,” Stein said.
“Sources say they also have trade interest in Utah’s Mike Conley Jr. amid a rising belief leaguewide that the Jazz — who have tumbled to No. 9 in the West in 22-24 after their great start — could become a much-needed seller at this deadline.”
The Clippers are interested in Mike Conley, per @TheSteinLine
(Via marcstein.substack.com/p/nba-trade-de…) https://t.co/DLQrfZPFXS
As Stein mentioned, Utah has fallen in the standings since their hot start to the season. After going 9-3 over their first 12 games, the Jazz have won just 13 of their last 34 games. They are currently 10th in the Western Conference at 22-24, following a shift in the standings on Sunday.
Mike Conley is already 35 years old, so the veteran guard doesn’t fit the timeline of a young Jazz team trending toward a rebuild. This presents a prime opportunity for the LA Clippers to swoop in and land the former All-Star.
Conley has averaged 10.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.7 3-pointers per game while shooting 38.0% and 34.9% from deep this season.
What might a trade that takes Mike Conley to the LA Clippers look like?
The LA Clippers will likely have to put together a trade package that involves expiring contracts and draft picks to sign Mike Conley.
Conley is the highest-paid player on the Jazz, making $22.7 million this season and $24.4 million next season. This means LA would have to package two or three players in a deal with Utah to make things work salary-wise.
One player that could be included in the deal is veteran point guard Reggie Jackson and his expiring $11.2 million contract. Sharpshooter Luke Kennard could also be appealing to the Jazz.
Kennard is making $14.4 million this season and $15.4 million next season with a $15.4 million team option for the 2024-2025 NBA season.
Other tradeable players making between $10 million and $20 million this season include Nicolas Batum, Robert Covington, Marcus Morris and Norman Powell. So the Clippers have a lot of options in terms of who they could package for Conley.
LA could also throw in young players such as Terance Mann and Brandon Boston Jr. along with some late picks to get a deal done.
For the LA Clippers’ full team payroll, click here.
For the Utah Jazz’s full team payroll, click here.
Also read: Stephen A. Smith claims he’s “disgusted” with LA Clippers, believes Ty Lue should want out if players aren’t healthy in playoffs