NBA Rumors: Mike Conley Wisely Testing The Market By Not Signing Extension With Memphis Grizzlies

Report: Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley will not sign extension: http://t.co/ZskCugc3Mu pic.twitter.com/uOrEIXwE3b

— SI Wire (@SI_Wire) May 21, 2015

The Memphis Grizzlies are heading in the right direction, but they may have to alter course and replace Mike Conley Jr. Thankfully, the star point guard has given Memphis a year to contemplate.

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According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, Conley will test the market and become an unrestricted free agent in 2016. This enters the Grizzlies into the gust of two possible campaigns: “Win or bust in 2015-16,” or “build toward an even brighter future.” It’s deciding which plan of attack and executing an according strategy that merits a GM’s job so valuable and so highly scrutinized.

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I guess that’s why they pay GMs the big bucks though — and that’s why they must decide how to dole money out and decide which player gets a big payday.

With the NBA salary cap rumored to jump $30 million in 2016, why would Conley disregard his value for the herald of being a “company man?” Why shouldn’t Conley ask to see Chris Wallace’s hand before it’s played? Yeah, Conley will be a workhorse if you pay him what he’s worth. Heck, he was a workhorse when the Grizzlies weren’t accurately compensating him. We’ve seen enough from the 2015 NBA Playoffs to know Conley has the heart, hustle and will to battle injuries while improving the team effort — even when it’s not a contract year.

In other words, Conley has proven his worth while elevating his stock and now it’s time for proper valuation.

Jerry Landry is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Jerry on Twitter at @Jerry2Landry, “Like” him on Facebook or add him on Google.