Should Mike Conley Return to the Memphis Grizzlies?

Should Mike Conley Return to the Memphis Grizzlies?

Mike Conley’s Legacy with the Memphis Grizzlies

Mike Conley was more than just a point guard for Memphis—he was the face of the franchise during the Grit-and-Grind era. Over 12 seasons, he became the all-time leader in points, assists, and steals while helping guide the team to multiple playoff runs. His departure in 2019 was emotional, but it was also necessary at the time as Memphis transitioned into the Ja Morant era. Yet now, as Conley enters the twilight of his career, a reunion seems tempting. But does it make basketball sense?

Mike Conley’s 2025 Stats: Still Productive Late in Career

Examining the numbers, Conley has remained remarkably consistent despite his advancing age. In the 2024-25 season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, he appeared in 71 games and averaged 8.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 24.7 minutes per game. The previous season, he averaged 11.4 points and 5.9 assists while playing nearly 29 minutes per night. While no longer the All-Star-level scorer he once was, Conley continues to provide efficient playmaking and veteran poise. His career averages of 14.1 points and 5.7 assists per game across 1,172 contests prove he’s had a long and productive NBA journey.

Conley’s Best Years Came in Memphis

Some of his best years were, of course, in Memphis. In the 2018-19 season, his final year with the Grizzlies, he averaged 21.1 points and 6.4 assists. He also had standout seasons in 2016-17 with 20.5 points and 6.3 assists per game, and in 2013-14 with 17.2 points and 6.0 assists. These were the years that helped solidify his legacy as one of the greatest Grizzlies of all time.

Memphis Grizzlies 2025 Roster

While Conley’s production is still respectable, the real question is whether Memphis has room for him on the current roster. Right now, the Grizzlies are loaded at the point guard position. Morant is the clear-cut starter and centerpiece of the franchise. Behind him are Scotty Pippen Jr. and Ty Jerome, two players capable of handling backup duties. Then there’s Javon Small, a promising second-round rookie who just wrapped up a strong Summer League performance and is expected to be a developmental priority for the organization.

What Mike Conley Could Bring to the Grizzlies Locker Room

Bringing Conley back would crowd an already congested position group. It could limit opportunities for younger players, particularly Small and Pippen Jr., both of whom need consistent reps to grow. Even Jerome, who offers spacing and stability when healthy, would be squeezed for minutes if Conley were added to the mix.

However, Conley’s leadership and experience remain valuable assets. His playoff savvy, calm demeanor, and understanding of Memphis’ culture could be crucial in the locker room. If he were brought in primarily as a mentor or in a reduced on-court role—playing limited minutes while serving as a player-coach hybrid—he could add tremendous value behind the scenes. His influence on a young team navigating high expectations would be invaluable.

Why a Mike Conley Grizzlies Reunion Doesn’t Fit

Despite the sentimental appeal and veteran presence Conley could provide, a reunion doesn’t appear practical at this moment. The Grizzlies simply have too many point guards and too few minutes to go around. Unless injuries occur or the roster is reshuffled, it’s hard to justify bringing in another floor general.

That said, fans shouldn’t rule it out completely. Should the Grizzlies encounter a need for stability later in the season, or if a guard goes down, Conley might become an ideal midseason addition. For now, though, Memphis will likely keep moving forward with its current core.

So while the dream of seeing No. 11 back in Beale Street Blue tugs at the heartstrings, the roster fit just isn’t there—at least not yet.