Michael Conley Receives Big Extension. Why?

Michael Heisley to Grizzlies fans on announcing the Conley Extension

News broke yesterday that the Memphis Grizzlies have given starting point guard Mike Conley, Jr. a 5 year, $45 million extension.  Approximately $5 million is tied to bonuses that Conley isn't likely to reach (he has to become an elite PG, and the Grizzlies have to be a 50 win playoff team).

The big question though, is why sign Conley to such a big extension?  Why sign him to an extension at all?  The reason given is that Conley is a mere 23 years of age, and has shown big improvement during the preseason and 3 games.  Have the Grizzlies ignored the fact that over the last three years, Conley simply hasn't been that good?  He hasn't even been average.  This guy's inconsistency is the reason the Grizzlies have gambled on headcases like Jamaal Tinsley and Allen Iverson.  Its why they drafted Greivis Vasquez this summer and also why they had O.J. Mayo experiment at the point guard during Summer League.  Now he has one good week and you give him an extension, and not just any extension, but one that he likely wouldn't have even gotten in the open market after this year.

(More after the jump)

Tony Parker Signs Extension With San Antonio

News broke yesterday that Tony Parker, San Antonio's All-Star and Former Finals MVP, has been given a 4 year, $50 million extension.  This takes away the distraction of Parker being an expiring contract, and it should solidify this team for now.  As for the deal itself, given Parker's quality and age, I think its a more than fair deal.  He'll be 33 when the deal ends.

Other players payed around the same per year?

• Josh Smith
• Rajon Rondo
• Luol Deng
• Rip Hamilton
• Ben Gordon
• David Lee
• Danny Granger
• Chris Kaman
• Andrew Bogut
• Emeka Okafor
• LaMarcus Aldridge
• Manu Ginobili

I'd rather have maybe three or four of the guys on that list over Tony Parker at full health.  Good extension for San Antonio, they've always been one of the better run front offices of the last decade.  And now that Parker has financial security, he can just worry about trying to get this team one more ring.