The Memphis Grizzlies are open to trading franchise stars Marc Gasol and Mike Conley as they prepare for a full-scale rebuild, and they have reportedly had discussions about the latter with at least one team.
According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, the Grizzlies have had talks with the Utah Jazz about a possible trade that would see Conley and fellow point guard Ricky Rubio swap teams.
Utah has had exploratory discussions with Memphis on a potential swap headlined by Mike Conley and Ricky Rubio in advance of next week's trade deadline, according to league sources.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 1, 2019
However, Stein notes that Conley’s contract could make a deal difficult, as he is owed $66 million over the next two seasons and Rubio only has $15 million remaining on his expiring contract.
The Jazz have undeniable interest in Conley as the deadline approaches, league sources say, but it is a big step up financially from Rubio's $15 million expiring deal. Memphis is believed to covet prime draft compensation in a trade involving either Conley or Marc Gasol
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 1, 2019
Conley, who appeared in just 12 games last season before undergoing heel surgery, is having a good year and looks healthy. He is averaging 20.2 points per game, which is just shy of his career high of 20.5 two seasons ago. Rubio is averaging 12.8 points and 6.1 assists per game, and Conley would be an upgrade for a Jazz team that is 29-23 and in position to make the playoffs.
Both Conley and Gasol have made their feelings clear about the current state of the Grizzlies, and it makes sense for the team to explore trade options. Memphis is currently 14th in the Western Conference with a record of 20-32 after winning just 22 games and missing the playoffs last season.
