Utah Jazz re-signs All-Star point guard Mike Conley for three-year contract – the Athletic



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The biggest domino for Utah Jazz fell on the first day of free agency.

With Mike Conley agreeing to a deal to stay in Utah for three years and $ 68 million, the Jazz, along with Donovan Mitchell, keep one of the best backcourts in the NBA together. With Conley agreeing to a deal to stay in Utah, the Jazz keep their place among the league’s elite teams. And with Conley agreeing to a deal to stay in Utah, the Jazz can now deal with adding to a roster that they hope they can find a way to win a title next season.

The cost is obviously not minimal considering the years and the dollar amount. And the downside is there, especially when it comes to potential injuries. But the Jazz just couldn’t let Conley go. If he had, being captive meant that the Jazz would have no way to replace their production.

And Jazz just needs Conley’s production.

He averaged over 16 points per game. He was the team’s best passer last season. He was the best defender the Jazz had at the guard post. And his calming influence, and ability to lead the team on both sides of the pitch, stood out like a sore thumb against the Los Angeles Clippers, even with Mitchell going nuclear on the offensive end.

Conley is cerebral, while Mitchell is explosive. He and Joe Ingles are the two best pick-and-roll players on the team, and Conley developed a relationship with Rudy Gobert in his second season with the team.



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