Mike Conley is headed back to familiar ground.
After a whirlwind week that saw the veteran guard traded twice and briefly land with the Charlotte Hornets, Conley is expected to rejoin the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to league sources. Charlotte waived the 38-year-old on Thursday, clearing the way for a return to the team where he spent the past three seasons.
The Timberwolves and Conley are reportedly working out the timing of his re-signing, but all signs point to the reunion being imminent.
Conley’s path back to Minnesota was anything but straightforward. He was first dealt to the Chicago Bulls as part of a three-team trade earlier this week, then rerouted to Charlotte in the deal that sent Coby White to Chicago. Because he was traded twice before being waived, Conley is eligible to re-sign with the Timberwolves.
While Conley’s best days are clearly behind him, his return still carries value-especially for a Wolves team with postseason aspirations. This season, the former All-Star has shifted into more of a supporting role. He’s averaging just 4.4 points per game on 32.2% shooting-both career lows-but his experience and leadership remain assets in a locker room that’s blending youth with playoff expectations.
Minnesota’s acquisition of Ayo Dosunmu from the Bulls signals a changing of the guard-literally and figuratively. Dosunmu, now in his fifth year, brings energy, defensive versatility, and a fresh presence to the backcourt. With him in the mix, Conley’s role will likely be even more limited, but that doesn’t mean it’s insignificant.
For a team looking to make a deep playoff run, having a steady veteran like Conley on the bench-someone who knows the system, understands the stakes, and can still give you quality minutes when needed-is a luxury. And for Conley, returning to a team he knows well gives him a chance to contribute in a meaningful way down the stretch.
His return may not make headlines the way blockbuster trades do, but don’t underestimate the value of continuity and leadership-especially in a Western Conference that’s as competitive as ever.