Los Angeles Lakers: How LA can get Mike Conley this offseason

By Jason Reed | Jun 20, 2021

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - JUNE 16: Mike Conley #10 of the Utah Jazz warms up before Game Five of the Western Conference second-round playoff series against the LA Clippers at Vivint Smart Home Arena on June 16, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Why the Utah Jazz would say yes to this Mike Conley trade:

This is all about asset management for the Utah Jazz. Any Jazz fan reading this article probably looks at this trade offer and scoffs at it. I cannot blame them, as straight-up, that might not be a fair return for Conley, who at his best, can be a really important two-way guard for a contending team.

The problem for Utah is that they do not have much leverage in the situation. Conley is a free agent and can sign anywhere if he so chooses and this is the classic case of Utah at least getting something for an asset that can walk away for free.

So while the team would probably get more than Schroder and Kuzma in a normal trade, Schroder and Kuzma are better than letting Conley walk and not signing anyone as the Jazz do not have much cap space. They would be utilizing the Bird Rights they have on Conley to get other assets.

Schroder at least gives the team a starting point guard to play alongside Donovan Mitchell and with Utah’s offensive style perhaps they could get more out of Kyle Kuzma off the bench. Regardless, if it does not work out Utah then has two assets it can flip in the future for other assets.

The NBA is all about asset management. It is significantly better to get something for Conley rather than letting him walk for nothing.

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