'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Mike Conley is an unrestricted free agent in the 2021 NBA offseason. The veteran point guard joined the Utah Jazz in the summer of 2019, but after two relatively underwhelming postseason runs, it may be time for Conley to move on and explore other options in the market.
Multiple teams that will be looking for a starting point guard, and Mike Conley could be an enticing option to have on their respective rosters.
2021 NBA offseason: 3 NBA teams that will improve with veteran guard Mike Conley's addition
Mike Conley is a two-way player who can make plays on both ends of the floor, thanks to his brilliant basketball IQ. The former Memphis Grizzlies star possesses a complete offensive package that can elevate arguably any team's performance over the course of a season.
On that note, let's look at the 3 teams that will benefit the most from signing Mike Conley for the 2021 NBA offseason:
#3 Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics recently parted ways with Kemba Walker, trading him to OKC Thunder in exchange for Al Horford and draft picks. The reason behind the trade was to get rid of Walker's expensive contract, but this transaction leaves the Celtics without a starting point guard.
The Boston Celtics can explore a deal for Mike Conley this summer. Unlike Kemba Walker, Conley is a solid presence on the defensive side of the ball. He could be as good as Walker on the offensive front, acting as a complementary piece to the star wing duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Mike Conley's ability to play on and off-the-ball is another factor the Boston Celtics should consider, as they already have a ball-dominant star in Tatum. Celtics front executive Brad Stevens is trying to build a roster that can deliver in the postseason next year, and Conley is a player who can help the 17-time NBA champions make a deep playoff run.
But as things stand, it might have to be a sign-and-trade deal as the Boston Celtics don't have the required cap space to accommodate Mike Conley's expected contract.
Also Read: Ben Simmons to Portland Trail Blazers: A boom or bust trade for both parties?
#2 New Orleans Pelicans
There is a good chance the New Orleans Pelicans will start the 2021-22 NBA campaign without Lonzo Ball. The young point guard is a free agent this offseason and will be looking to weigh his options ahead of signing a long-term contract.
The Pelicans can compensate for Ball's potential absence by exploring a deal for Mike Conley. The New Orleans Pelicans benefitted from the chemistry of Ball and star forward Zion Williamson in the 2020-21 NBA season, and Conley has the ability to come and replicate that kind of partnership on higher efficiency.
The New Orleans Pelicans are looking to make the playoffs next year, which will in return help them keep star players like Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Former head coach Stan Van Gundy's firing is an indication that the Pelicans are planning for a major overhaul this summer, and Mike Conley is a signing that could prove to be a game-changer for their front office.
#1 New York Knicks
Arguably, no NBA team will be more desperate than the New York Knicks this offseason. The Knicks' dysfunction without a starting point guard was quite evident in the playoffs, where head coach Tom Thibodeau had to sit out Elfrid Payton and insert sixth man Derrick Rose into the starting lineup.
Mike Conley can come in and solve the Knicks' point guard problem and complete a starting five that has the potential to challenge for the Conference Finals. The Knicks already have two talented individuals in Julius Randle and RJ Barrett, and Mike Conley's addition will make them one of the top teams in the tough Eastern Conference.
The New York Knicks need a player who can orchestrate their offense and take over in crunch time. There are a few point guards in the league who can do the aforementioned tasks better than Mike Conley, which makes him a seamless fit with the Knicks.
