The NBA Draft is tomorrow and the free agency period is just around the corner, but that didn’t stop the Utah Jazz from making one of the biggest offseason moves this summer as the franchise acquired veteran point guard Mike Conley from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Grayson Allen, Kyle Korver, Jae Crowder, the No. 23 pick in the 2019 Draft and a future first-round pick.
Conley, a franchise player is the Grizzlies’ all-time leader in games played, points scored, assists, steals, field goals made and 3-pointers made.
The deal is expected to be completed on July 6.
NBA Finals 2019: Social Media Reacts As Toronto Raptors Win First NBA Championship
Conley will replace Ricky Rubio, who was Utah’s starting point guard the last two seasons. With the pairing of Conley with rising star Donovan Mitchell, the Jazz now have arguably one of the best backcourts in the entire league.
With Golden State’s injury problems with Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson, as well as Houston’s current problems with Chris Paul and James Harden, the trade puts the Jazz into contention to be the top team in the Western Conference.
Here’s all the reactions from around the league:
What more can I say about my city! You guys made me the man I am today! Memphis is home. Always! ????..Time for another chapter! Excited to give all I have to The Jazz and Salt Lake City! ?#LetsGetIt #GodsPlan #takenote ??
— Mike Conley (@mconley11) June 19, 2019
Take note of the reported new-look @utahjazz. ? pic.twitter.com/MsrHjDZbSt
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 19, 2019
Mike Conley will always be a legend in Memphis. Nobody will ever wear #11 again. I’ve known him since he was 19 and scrawny, and I didn’t believe in him. He became one of my favorite players and people. Everything comes to an end. Take care of him, Utah. You’ll love him
— Chris Vernon (@ChrisVernonShow) June 19, 2019
George Hill and Ricky Rubio had their best seasons in Quin Snyder’s system. Mike Conley is a phenomenal fit. He will thrive playing with Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell. Jazz are a legit threat in the West. https://t.co/dNTTrJJE6q
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) June 19, 2019
Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley. That’s gonna be a hell of a backcourt.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 19, 2019
Mike Conley has played with almost no shot creating or explosive wings. At this stage of his career he needs Donovan Mitchell and Mitchell needs Conley for his development. Nice match
— David Locke (@Lockedonsports) June 19, 2019
Mike Conley is the @memgrizz all-time leader in
Games
Points
Assists
Stealshttps://t.co/1XffoP610J pic.twitter.com/ocivhY24mo— Basketball Reference (@bball_ref) June 19, 2019
The trade will become offcial on July 6, sources say…..The Jazz get the point guard they have long been targeting, and they are able to keep Derrick Favors in the process. Big win for them on both sides
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) June 19, 2019
Donovan Mitchell's rapid maturity into a primary NBA player gave the Jazz added urgency to acquire a veteran ready to win now, league sources tell The Athletic. With Rudy Gobert entering his prime, the Jazz knew they needed to make a significant addition to supplement the two
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) June 19, 2019
The Jazz kept the four best players on the roster and added Mike Conley.
That’s crazy.
— Spence Checketts (@spencechecketts) June 19, 2019
Utah just got way, way better. That team could easily have the league’s best defense and if Mitchell makes a true leap, you’ve got potentially three guys in the All-NBA convo — with a great coach. Jazz could be scary.
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) June 19, 2019
Big trade for the Jazz. I love it.
— Trevor Booker (@35_Fitz) June 19, 2019
Love this trade for Utah. Exactly what they need. This is the best Memphis could do…? https://t.co/C91mQsDl1E
— Russillo (@ryenarussillo) June 19, 2019
I know the Mike Conley Jr. numbers are high- $32.5 and $34.5M.
However, if Conley Jr. was a free agent, there would be a market for him at two years $67 million. The short length of the contract has appeal.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) June 19, 2019
Mike Conley welcome to Utah! This aggressive trade gives the @utahjazz Jazz a dynamic backcourt of speed, savy and scoring. Kyle and Jae are two of the best pros I know and for Grayson it’s an opportunity to reset and grow. #JazzNation #TeamIsEverything #TakeNote #ConleyJazzman
— Craig Bolerjack (@BuckleUpBoler) June 19, 2019
Bravo to Jazz management. They needed to get Mike Conley and got it done, giving up Korver, Crowder, Allen, this year's 23rd pick and a future protected pick. Great move. Improves the team significantly
— Patrick Kinahan (@PKKinahan) June 19, 2019
I love the pairing of Mike Conley and Donovan Mitchell?
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 19, 2019
Welcome to the squad brotha lets get it!! Also side note…Utah is a state but we gon let you slide this once?? https://t.co/BPmvpdz49z
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) June 19, 2019
Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley about to be a nice backcourt ? pic.twitter.com/WYmYbQ8d2E
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 19, 2019
