Utah Jazz guard Mike Conley is slated to hit free agency this summer, but he reportedly wants to stay.
The Utah Jazz sit atop the Western Conference as of this writing, and for good reason. They are premier defenders and can shoot from long distance. This upcoming offseason, however, veteran point guard Mike Conley is slated to become a free agent. But will he actually leave Utah to join another team?
In Sam Amick and John Hollinger’s latest piece in The Athletic, they say that Conley’s future in Utah “looks bound to continue” as long as the Jazz are willing to pay him a contract.
Mike Conley wants to remain in Utah
Re-signing Conley could require a commitment for the new Jazz ownership. Amick and Hollinger note that since Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert are signed to max contracts, inking Conley could put the team over the luxury tax threshold. Yet, they mention that all it needs is the green light from new owner Ryan Smith to get the deal done.
Conley’s desire to stay in Utah does not come as a shock. Back in February, Conley told Tony Jones of The Athletic that he wants to re-sign with the Jazz because of the way they play as a team.
In 2019, Conley arrived in Utah after spending the entirety of his career with the Memphis Grizzlies. Following Conley’s first season with the Jazz, the veteran has really stepped up his game this campaign. In fact, Conley made the All-Star Game for the first time in his career as a replacement for Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker.
Through 40 games (all started), Conley is averaging 16.6 points, 5.5 assists and 3.5 rebounds a night while shooting 45.8 percent from the field and 42.1 percent from the 3-point line.
Conley wants to stay in Utah beyond this season, but it is up to the Jazz to give him a deal deemed satisfactory to ensure it happens. Until then, the Jazz are focused on winning their first NBA title at the end of this season.