NBA Trade Rumors: Wolves PG Mike Conley to Spurs?
The San Antonio Spurs are riding the youth movement, led by future No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama.
However, adding a veteran to the team's young core could be beneficial towards developing the talented players on the squad.
Bleacher Report identified a trade target for each team, selecting Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Mike Conley, who would be entering his 17th NBA season in 2023-24.
"Mike Conley is one of the league's ultimate game-managing, "get the ball where it needs to go" point guards—exactly the kind of unselfish, by-the-book facilitator who could ensure Wembanyama is positioned for success," Bleacher Report writes.
Conley averaged 11.9 points and 6.7 assists this season with the Utah Jazz and Timberwolves. He was part of the three-team midseason trade that sent D'Angelo Russell back to the Los Angeles Lakers.
While he may not be at his peak, Conley is still a capable facilitator in the league, one that can help make Wembanyama's job slightly easier as he transitions from the European game to the NBA.
San Antonio also is one of the few teams that can maintain the cap space Conley would command. He is projected to make around $24.3 million this season, but only $14.32 million is guaranteed. The Timberwolves would trade him to avoid making that figure.
The Spurs could also have Conley mentor a potential point guard draftee and if he's ready to take the reins in the second half of the season, trade or buyout the former No. 4 pick to clear up some minutes for the younger players.
It's a short-term move to trade for Conley, but one that can have long-term effects.
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