What the Mike Conley Signing Quietly Rules Out for the Celtics

The Boston Celtics' first foray into free agency was agreeing to terms with Mike Conley, per ESPN's Shams Charania. It's a one-year deal for the veteran minimum. He will become only the 14th player in NBA history to reach 20 seasons.

The now-former Minnesota Timberwolves guard averaged 4.5 points and 2.9 assists in 18.4 minutes of floor time across 54 appearances last season. It was a sharp decline from suiting up in 71 contests and logging 24.7 minutes the year prior.

Still, it's a move that might signal there will not be an Anfernee Simons reunion. Signing Collin Sexton is also off the table. He has agreed to a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, per ESPN's Shams Charania.

How does a Mike Conley signing impact the Celtics' pursuit of Anfernee Simons?

If Payton Pritchard remains in a sixth-man role, then Boston has done an excellent job of adding a third layer of depth in the backcourt. The Celtics would've benefitted from having another primary ball-handler in the postseason. It was an area they were deficient in after trading Simons in February.

If a Jaylen Brown trade brings a new starter to the backcourt or if the drama ends with the former Finals MVP remaining in Boston, then expect the organization to halt its pursuit of Simons.

However, should next season's starting lineup include Pritchard, then the fear is they'd be relying too heavily on an individual who will turn 39 in October.

Conley's a former All-Star, but now in the twilight of his career, the best role for him casts him into the third layer on the depth chart. He is a highly respected voice in the locker room. In that sense, he's a fantastic addition. He's also someone who will aid player development. And he gives his new teammates a sage source of wisdom they can turn to during games.

So, if Pritchard returns to the first unit, where he performed well for most of Jayson Tatum's rehab last season, then the Celtics should remain in pursuit of Simons. Sexton, who generates much of his scoring in the paint and typically shoots over 40 percent on catch-and-shoot 3s, was another quality option.

Conley was a savvy signing, but bringing back Anfernee Simons is still needed if Pritchard's getting promoted from sixth man.

Simons earned rave reviews from all corners of the organization during his time in Boston. He was committed defensively, adapted to a role off the bench, and averaged 14.2 points, 2.4 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in 49 games with the Celtics. He also knocked down 39.5 percent of his 6.7 three-point attempts. His return would go a long way to bolstering the backcourt in a scenario where Pritchard is no longer their sixth man.

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