Sources: Conley plans to meet with Mavs Friday
Free agent Mike Conley will meet with the Dallas Mavericks on July 1, according to league sources.
Conley, who is widely regarded as the top point guard on the free-agent market, has played his entire nine-year career with the Memphis Grizzlies. However, a return to the Grizzlies should not be considered a foregone conclusion, according to a league source.
Conley wants a five-year max deal from Memphis, and if the Grizzlies refuse to go beyond four years, Conley could leave, the source said. Under league rules, Memphis is the only team that can offer Conley a five-year contract.
“Mike wants the fifth year in Memphis because he’s earned it,” the source said. “If he’s one of your top two players, why wouldn’t you give it to him? What team messes around with one of its top two players?”
Houston, New Orleans, Brooklyn and the Los Angeles Lakers have also expressed interest in Conley, according to league sources, though no other meetings are currently scheduled.
Conley is likely to meet with Memphis after meeting with the other interested teams, the source said.
No deals can be officially signed until July 7, but teams and free agents can start coming to verbal agreements on contracts starting Friday at 12:01 a.m.
