Utah Jazz Introduce Mike Conley, Bojan Bogdanovic

Jul 8, 2019, 12:59 PM | Updated: Feb 14, 2023, 12:23 pm

KSLTV.com

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The Utah Jazz have formally introduced point guard Mike Conley Jr. and forward Bojan Bogdanovic as the newest members of the organization.

Utah acquired Conley on July 6 from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Jae Crowder, Kyle Korver, Grayson Allen and two first round picks.

The Jazz signed free agent Bogdanovic to a four-year deal, reportedly worth $73 million.

“This was a plan that was highly thought of,” Lindsey said. “To make the trade for Mike first really opened the door for Bojan.”

Conley Prepared Himself After Trade Rumors In February

Back in February at the trade deadline, their were a lot of rumors surrounding the Jazz and the Memphis Grizzlies about Mike Conley getting dealt to Utah, but a deal was never reached. Conley heard the rumors and prepared himself even when a deal didn’t happen.

“It got me prepared for the opportunity,” Conley said. “I didn’t know if it was going to happen in February, when it didn’t, I was preparing for it because I knew things would pick up again in the off-season. It didn’t work out in February but I am glad that I am here now. My family is in Salt Lake City now and we are very excited.”

Conley finished the 2018-19 season averaging a career-high 21.1 points, along with 6.4 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game.

The 12-year NBA veteran will wear No. 10 for the Jazz.

Conley earned his third NBA Sportsmanship Award at the NBA Awards show on June 24, previously winning the award in 2014 and 2016.

He spent his entire career with the Grizzlies after getting selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft.

After a tough season in Memphis as they did not reach the Playoffs, Conley is happy to be on a team that is expected to reach the postseason.

It’s a breath of fresh air and a shot in the arm,” he said.

When the trade was reported back on June 19, it only took less than a week for the veteran point guard to reach out to his future backcourt teammate Donovan Mitchell and start working out. Conley feels that Mitchell has an extremely bright future in the NBA.

“I am really impressed with how mature he is,” Conley mentioned. “He is the face of the franchise but he is willing to learn and to get better. He is definitely more athletic than me. You don’t find that a lot in young guys. He is going to be really good in this league.”

Here they are! Now, it feels real. @mconley11 @utahjazz #TakeNote #teamiseverything pic.twitter.com/sspbTxb49f

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) July 8, 2019

Bogdanovic Was Hoping For Call From Jazz

When free agency began, it was reported that Bogdanovic was a target for the Jazz. Less than one hour after teams were allowed to talk to free agents on June 30, the Jazz and Bogdanovic agreed to terms.

“When I got a call from the Jazz and saw their roster, it’s a great group of guys and it made me so excited,” Bogdanovic said. “I was so happy when they called and am excited to play for this organization.”

Bogdanovic is one of only eight players to hit over 150 three-pointers on better than 42 percent from beyond the arc last season.

Utah Jazz general manager Justin Zanik pointed out that what stood out to him last season with Bogdanovic was when he carried the Indiana Pacers after their star guard Victor Oladipo suffered a season-ending injury.

Entering his sixth NBA season, Bogdanović has played for the Brooklyn Nets from 2014-17, Washington Wizards in 2017 and the Indiana Pacers from 2017-19 with career averages of 13.3 points on 46.3 percent from the field and 38.9 percent from downtown, 3.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 27.8 minutes per contest.

Bogdanovic has spoken to Jazz head coach Quin Snyder since signing his deal and they are both very excited for the future.

“The Jazz have been one of the best teams offensively and defensively, Coach is excited like we are. It’s going to be really fun for all of us,” Bogdanovic said.

He will wear No. 44 for the Jazz.