The biggest domino for the Utah Jazz has fallen on the first day of free agency.
With Mike Conley agreeing to a deal to stay in Utah for three years and $68 million, the Jazz, with Donovan Mitchell, keep one of the NBA’s best backcourts together. With Conley agreeing to a deal to stay in Utah, the Jazz keep their place among the elite teams in the league. And with Conley agreeing to a deal to stay in Utah, the Jazz can now go about the business of adding to a roster they hope can find a way to win a title next season.
The cost obviously isn’t minimal considering years and dollar amount. And the downside is there, especially when it comes to potential injury. But the Jazz simply could not have Conley walk away. If he had, being cap-strapped meant the Jazz would have no way to replace his production.
And the Jazz simply need Conley’s production.
He averaged over 16 points per game. He was the best passer on the team last season. He was the best defender the Jazz had at the guard spot. And his calming influence and ability to run the team on both ends of the floor, stuck out like a sore thumb against the Los Angeles Clippers, even with Mitchell going nuclear on the offensive end.
Conley is cerebral, while Mitchell is explosive. He and Joe Ingles are the two best pick-and-roll players on the team, and Conley developed a rapport with Rudy Gobert in his second season with the team.