tigerangel25
01-15-2009, 04:43 AM
Deal or no deal? Griz await word from Bucks about a Conley trade
By Ronald Tillery (Contact), Memphis Commercial Appeal
Thursday, January 15, 2009
The Grizzlies want to deal second-year point guard Mike Conley to the Milwaukee Bucks, and receive guard Ramon Sessions and swingman Joe Alexander in return, but the ball doesn't appear to be in their court.
Milwaukee is apparently weighing the proposal as talks are ongoing, based on conversations with people knowledgeable about the trade discussions.
Griz general manager Chris Wallace declined comment, citing the team's policy to not discuss trade rumors.
The Grizzlies, though, have no reservations about consummating the transaction in its current two-for-one form. They are looking to unload Conley, the fourth overall pick in the 2007 draft, while he's mired in his second performance funk this season.
Conley is averaging 4.1 points on 22-percent shooting to go with 2.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 19.1 minutes over last eight games. The Ohio State product has logged a total of 30 minutes in the past two games.
That said, a team insider said the Griz wouldn't be devastated if the deal didn't come to fruition because no one mentioned in the transaction is established. Plus, Conley has already shown an ability to bounce back from a string of poor performances.
Still, the deal is being discussed partly because Conley no longer has the faith of his most ardent supporters within the organization. Much of the disappointment has to do with Conley's perceived lack of competitive spirit and dogged play on the court.
When asked about Conley's recent slide Wednesday after practice, Griz coach Marc Iavaroni simply pointed to the production of the starting point guard Kyle Lowry.
"I don't think Mike played bad (Tuesday) night. Kyle was very assertive and that's where the comparisons come in," Iavaroni said. "Kyle is definitely asserting himself and that has a lot to do with the fact that it's perhaps affected Mike's outlook. But there's still a (matter) of not letting it affect you."
The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 19. Griz players weren't interested Wednesday in potential trades, preferring to focus on the team's four-game slide (they've lost 12 of 14) with their comments.
Sessions is clearly the most productive player so far of the three involved. Conley and Alexander are trying to find their way, having underwhelmed their respective teams to date. The Griz, who are without luxury tax and salary-cap issues, don't see Sessions' restricted free agent status as a deterrent.
The Bucks, meanwhile, have salary-cap issues with Sessions and forward Charlie Villanueva as restricted free agents. Milwaukee wants to avoid being a luxury tax payer so re-signing Sessions and Villanueva isn't viable with Michael Redd ($17 million) and Richard Jefferson ($14 million) set to earn big money next season.
Meanwhile, it appears the Griz must hurry up and wait.
Grizzlies' next game
Who: Utah
When, where: Friday, 7 p.m., FedExForum
TV, radio: Fox Sports Tennessee, WRBO-FM (103.5)
-- Ronald Tillery: 529-2353
By Ronald Tillery (Contact), Memphis Commercial Appeal
Thursday, January 15, 2009
The Grizzlies want to deal second-year point guard Mike Conley to the Milwaukee Bucks, and receive guard Ramon Sessions and swingman Joe Alexander in return, but the ball doesn't appear to be in their court.
Milwaukee is apparently weighing the proposal as talks are ongoing, based on conversations with people knowledgeable about the trade discussions.
Griz general manager Chris Wallace declined comment, citing the team's policy to not discuss trade rumors.
The Grizzlies, though, have no reservations about consummating the transaction in its current two-for-one form. They are looking to unload Conley, the fourth overall pick in the 2007 draft, while he's mired in his second performance funk this season.
Conley is averaging 4.1 points on 22-percent shooting to go with 2.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 19.1 minutes over last eight games. The Ohio State product has logged a total of 30 minutes in the past two games.
That said, a team insider said the Griz wouldn't be devastated if the deal didn't come to fruition because no one mentioned in the transaction is established. Plus, Conley has already shown an ability to bounce back from a string of poor performances.
Still, the deal is being discussed partly because Conley no longer has the faith of his most ardent supporters within the organization. Much of the disappointment has to do with Conley's perceived lack of competitive spirit and dogged play on the court.
When asked about Conley's recent slide Wednesday after practice, Griz coach Marc Iavaroni simply pointed to the production of the starting point guard Kyle Lowry.
"I don't think Mike played bad (Tuesday) night. Kyle was very assertive and that's where the comparisons come in," Iavaroni said. "Kyle is definitely asserting himself and that has a lot to do with the fact that it's perhaps affected Mike's outlook. But there's still a (matter) of not letting it affect you."
The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 19. Griz players weren't interested Wednesday in potential trades, preferring to focus on the team's four-game slide (they've lost 12 of 14) with their comments.
Sessions is clearly the most productive player so far of the three involved. Conley and Alexander are trying to find their way, having underwhelmed their respective teams to date. The Griz, who are without luxury tax and salary-cap issues, don't see Sessions' restricted free agent status as a deterrent.
The Bucks, meanwhile, have salary-cap issues with Sessions and forward Charlie Villanueva as restricted free agents. Milwaukee wants to avoid being a luxury tax payer so re-signing Sessions and Villanueva isn't viable with Michael Redd ($17 million) and Richard Jefferson ($14 million) set to earn big money next season.
Meanwhile, it appears the Griz must hurry up and wait.
Grizzlies' next game
Who: Utah
When, where: Friday, 7 p.m., FedExForum
TV, radio: Fox Sports Tennessee, WRBO-FM (103.5)
-- Ronald Tillery: 529-2353