Chicago Bulls: 3 veteran guards to target in a trade

2) Chicago Bulls veteran guard targets

The inaugural season for the veteran standout Utah Jazz point guard Mike Conley could’ve gone better than it did. The former Ohio State Buckeye and the 33-year-old floor general Conley had a much better run during his latter years with the Memphis Grizzlies than he did last season in his first year with the Jazz.

During the shortened 2019-20 regular season, Conley played in 47 games with the Jazz (all but six of which he started in). And Conley averaged 14.4 points per game, 3.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.1 blocks. He shot 40.9 percent from the field, 37.5 percent from beyond the arc, and 82.7 percent from the free-throw line. In most major statistical categories, Conley largely took a step back last season.

Another downside to forming a trade for Conley is that the Bulls would be taking on a large contract through the end of next season. But that’s all the Bulls would be taking on from Conley’s current contract. He’s due around $34.5 million next season, and then he’s an unrestricted free agent.

While adding Conley would limit the Bulls flexibility on the cap sheet next season, he would be off the books pretty quick if landing him didn’t look to work out over the long haul.

If the Bulls could get more out of Conley next season than the Jazz did last year, then landing him would be well worth it. During his dozen seasons playing for the Grizzlies, Conley averaged 14.9 points per game, 3.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.2 blocks. And he shot 44.7 percent from the field, helping him post a box plus/minus rating around 2.5.