Report: Spurs to pursue Mike Conley in free agency

The San Antonio Spurs reportedly plan to pursue Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley.

Get breaking news and SI’s biggest stories instantly. Download the new Sports Illustrated app (iOS or Android) and personalize your experience by following your favorite teams and SI writers.

The San Antonio Spurs have already been linked to free-agent-to-be Kevin Durant, and may be setting their sights on another high-profile free agent this summer as well: Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley.

ESPN’s Marc Stein reports the Spurs intend to court Conley in July in addition to Durant. San Antonio was eliminated from the playoffs Thursday and faces some uncertainty this off-season surrounding the potential retirements of longtime stars Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili.

If those two players retire or opt out and restructure their deals, acquiring Conley could be possible thanks to the upcoming salary-cap spike. But such a move would affect the status of veteran starting point guard Tony Parker, 33, who would likely have to accept a bench role or have his contract — due to pay more than $14 million next season — moved to accommodate the younger Conley,

Despite injury problems, Conley averaged 15.3 points and 6.1 assists in 56 games this season.