Zach Randolph’s role on the Memphis Grizzlies may have diminished slightly this season due to age and the modern NBA’s unwavering commitment to the small-ball revolution through hell and high water. But his quote game is still in top form.
Ahead of Memphis’ game against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Friday, the 34-year-old Randolph dropped the following gem about teammate Mike Conley, an impending unrestricted free agent in Summer 2016 (per Ian Begley of ESPN).
Zach Randolph jokes with the NY media at Memphis shootaround: "Mike Conley's not coming here, man."
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 5, 2016
Conley, 28, has recently been linked to the Knicks and the Nets, both of whom are in dire straits at the point guard position. The ninth-year guard seemed noticeably less definite about his own future than Randolph did, however.
Mike Conley on the possibility of signing w/Knicks: "Everything will be on the table when the time comes. I haven't committed to anything."
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 5, 2016
While Conley has been with the Grizzlies for his entire career, their championship window appears to have suddenly and emphatically slammed shut. Thanks to the collective bargaining agreement, teams will always have a built-in advantage in retaining their own free agents courtesy of the ability to offer the most favorable contract. But perhaps Z-Bo shouldn’t underestimate the bright lights of New York City and a Knicks franchise slowly trending upward again as a legitimate competitor for Conley’s talents this summer.
Image Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
