Mike Conley Says He's Not Interested in Grizzlies' Rebuild Amid Trade Rumors

Entering an offseason of uncertainty, Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley doesn't want to be part of another long-term rebuilding effort. 

Per The Athletic's Omari Sankofa II, Conley explained what his goals are as he prepares for the 2019-20 season. 

"I want to win a championship, No. 1," he said. "I love Jaren Jackson Jr. I've done a lot of that, been a part of it. At some point you have to pass that torch."

Conley was the subject of trade speculation before the Feb. 7 deadline, but the Grizzlies hung on to him for the entire season. 

With one more guaranteed year left on Conley's contract, his future figures to be a hot topic of discussion this summer. The Grizzlies seem likely to move on from their all-time leading scorer after they went 33-49 in 2018-19. He's due to make $32.5 million next season, per Spotrac.

Jaren Jackson Jr. will likely be Memphis' centerpiece after he averaged 13.8 points and 4.7 rebounds in 58 games as a rookie. The team's first-round pick this year is top-eight protected; otherwise it will go to the Boston Celtics from a three-team trade in 2015 that included the New Orleans Pelicans. 

Conley, 31, is coming off one of his best seasons. The Arkansas native averaged 21.1 points and 6.4 assists per game and shot 36.4 percent from three-point range.