The narrative surrounding Mike Conley Jr.’s upcoming free agency is always prefaced with a caution of loyalty: “He can never leave Memphis. He grew up around there,” the logic goes. “He was instrumental in Marc Gasol re-signing and he can’t ditch his friend.”
However, the coach who groomed him into an NBA star, Lionel Hollins, believes the Knicks' target will chase the money and financial security.
“I don’t know if Michael looks elsewhere but that might end up being the best move. Mike is at that crossroads where he’s (28) years old. He’s coming up on a contract year.