NBA rumors: 5 teams that could trade for Mike Conley

MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 23: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at FedExForum on March 23, 2019 in Memphis, Tennessee. Minnesota won 112-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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4. Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers are in a state of even greater turmoil, as Magic Johnson abruptly stepped down as team president earlier this week. It’s not that did a great job as team president, and let’s not credit him with getting LeBron James, but it seems other stars are going to be hesitant to join the ongoing dysfunction of the purple and gold in free agency this summer. The idea of playing with James, with all that brings (good and bad), only goes so far to make the Lakers appealing.

So general manager Rob Pelinka, and/or whoever else has a say, may have to turn toward the trade market for a notable addition this offseason. Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal is a lingering possibility, but Conley could be on the radar too.

With contract options in play/to be determined, and not enough salary to currently send to Memphis, it seems like a third team will have to get involved in a deal to allow the Lakers to get Conley. A completely separate deal could yield a player and contract for the Lakers that can be flipped to the Grizzlies to make the money work.

There are a lot of moving parts, leaving aside the question of who will replace Johnson as the proverbial face of Los Angeles’ front office. But a trade for Conley can theoretically be done, and that puts it in play for the Lakers.

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