The Memphis Grizzlies locked in on their long-time point guard, focused on keeping him with the team that drafted him fourth overall in 2007 and he has spent all nine years of his career with. Conley helped recruit Chandler Parsons to sign with the Grizzlies and was rewarded for all he has done quite well, as he agreed to a five-year, $153 million dollar max contract. The deal was first reported by ESPN's Marc Stein.
Conley now becomes the highest-paid player in the NBA, something few would have ever expected. But with the NBA's salary cap sky rocketing and his original team being able to offer him the biggest max contract, it all came together to make Conley a rich man who will average $30.6 million per season. Memphis has had quite a busy day involving multiple trucks of cash with the money given out to Parsons and Conley.
The 28-year-old point guard cashed in, even after a down season that in part led to Memphis' coaching change and injuries on the roster. Last season Conley averaged 15.3 points, 6.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game. His averages were much better in 2014 under Lionel Hollins, when he averaged 17.2 points per game, and Memphis hopes they can get the best out of him under new coach David Fizdale.