Mike Conley’s whirlwind week has taken another turn - and now, he’s officially a free agent.
The Hornets announced they’ve waived the 38-year-old veteran guard, just one day after acquiring him from the Bulls in a trade. That means Conley is now free to sign with any team except Chicago, assuming he clears waivers and no one picks up the $10.8 million left on his deal.
There’s already some buzz about a potential reunion with Minnesota, where Conley spent the past year and a half. And under the league’s rules, that door is open - because Conley was traded twice before being waived, he’s eligible to return to the Timberwolves if both sides are interested. While nothing’s confirmed yet, it’s a scenario that would make plenty of sense given his familiarity with the team and system.
Minnesota, for its part, just added Ayo Dosunmu from Chicago in a separate trade, but still has two open roster spots. If there’s mutual interest, the Wolves could bring Conley back into the fold without much maneuvering.
Conley’s role in Minnesota had already shifted this season. After being a starter for most of his 17-year career, he came off the bench for the Wolves - a transition that saw his minutes and production scaled back.
He played in 44 games, averaging 4.4 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists over 18.5 minutes per night. The shooting numbers weren’t great (.322 from the field, .321 from three), but Conley continued to provide veteran leadership and steady decision-making when called upon.
His brief stop in Chicago was part of a three-team trade earlier this week involving the Pistons, and he was rerouted to Charlotte the following day in the deal that sent Coby White to the Bulls. Now, after a pair of trades in as many days, Conley finds himself back on the open market - and potentially back on the radar for playoff contenders looking for a stabilizing presence at the point.
At this stage of his career, Conley’s not the All-Star he once was, but his experience, poise, and basketball IQ still carry value - especially for teams aiming to make a deep postseason run. Whether that next chapter unfolds in Minnesota or elsewhere, Conley’s veteran savvy could still make a difference in the right situation.