Veteran NBA point guard Mike Conley has signed back with the Minnesota Timberwolves following a series of trades and a waiver. The 38-year-old was dealt to the Chicago Bulls and then the Charlotte Hornets before being released. His return resumes his fourth season with the team.
Mike Conley, a 38-year-old NBA veteran, has officially signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves on February 17, after an 11-day delay following his waiver by the Charlotte Hornets. The signing was reported as imminent on February 6 but postponed until after the All-Star break to manage the team's salary cap situation. This allowed the Timberwolves to sign Conley at a prorated veteran minimum while preserving room for a potential 15th roster player, avoiding a limit of 14 players if signed earlier.
The sequence began on February 3, when Conley was traded from the Timberwolves to the Chicago Bulls in a three-team deal aimed at getting Minnesota under the first apron. The trade sent Kevin Huerter and Dario Šarić to the Detroit Pistons, who also received a 2026 protected first-round swap with Minnesota, while Jaden Ivey moved to the Bulls. The next day, February 4, Conley was traded again to the Hornets alongside Coby White in exchange for Collin Sexton and three second-round picks; the Bulls acquired Ousmane Dieng, and the Oklahoma City Thunder received Mason Plumlee. The Hornets waived Conley on February 5, clearing his $10.7 million salary for the 2025-26 season, after which he became a free agent post-season.
Under NBA collective bargaining agreement rules, teams cannot trade and immediately re-sign a waived player, but the second trade enabled Conley's return. He now resumes his fourth season with the Timberwolves, who stand at 34-22 and sixth in the Western Conference. This season, Conley has appeared in 44 games, averaging 4.4 points, 2.9 assists, and 1.8 rebounds, limited by back spasms and right Achilles tendinopathy. His shooting has hit career lows: 32.1% from three-point range and 32.6% from two-point range, including 6.9% within three feet. Despite on-court struggles, Conley is valued as a locker room presence, having contributed to two straight Western Conference Finals. Teammates Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert expressed desire for his return, and coach Chris Finch holds him in high regard. However, increased roles for Ayo Dosunmu, Bones Hyland, and returning Terrence Shannon may limit his minutes, which ranked seventh on the team at 18.5 per game.
Conley's career spans 19 seasons, with 12 in Memphis and four in Utah, averaging 13.7 points and 5.6 assists at 39% from three. The Timberwolves also acquired Dosunmu and Julian Phillips from Chicago, sending Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller, and four second-round picks in that deal.
