Mike Conley is on track to return to Minnesota, just days after being part of a whirlwind trade sequence that briefly sent him across the league. According to multiple reports, the veteran point guard plans to re-sign with the Timberwolves once he clears waivers - a move that could give Minnesota both financial flexibility and valuable locker room continuity as they gear up for the stretch run.
Here’s how it unfolded: Conley was first dealt to the Bulls in what amounted to a salary-clearing move by the Timberwolves. Chicago then flipped him to Charlotte, packaging him with Coby White. The Hornets, in turn, waived Conley, making him eligible to hit the open market.
Now, under NBA rules, a player can't re-sign with the team that most recently traded him - in this case, the Bulls. But because Conley was traded twice before being waived, that restriction doesn't apply to Minnesota. Once he clears waivers on Saturday, the door will be wide open for the Timberwolves to bring him back.
And that’s exactly what they plan to do.
While Conley’s production has dipped this season - he’s averaging career lows in minutes (18.5), points (4.4), assists (2.9), and shooting just 32.2% from the field - his value to the Timberwolves goes well beyond the box score. Since arriving at the 2023 trade deadline, he’s been a steadying presence in the locker room and a respected voice among a young core that’s still learning how to win consistently.
This season, he lost his starting job to Donte DiVincenzo and has appeared in 44 games with just nine starts. But even in a reduced role, Conley’s leadership and experience have remained important to the Timberwolves’ culture - and that’s why there was reluctance to move him at all before the trade deadline.
Still, Minnesota found a way to thread the needle. By trading Conley and his $10.8 million expiring contract, the team created financial breathing room.
Now, by re-signing him on a prorated veteran minimum deal, they’re bringing him back at a fraction of the cost. It’s a savvy front-office maneuver that allows the Wolves to keep a trusted veteran in the fold without compromising their cap flexibility.
They won’t even need to make a corresponding roster move - Minnesota has two open spots on its 15-man roster following their trade deadline activity. That makes the logistics of the reunion as straightforward as it gets.
The only wrinkle is timing. Conley clears waivers Saturday afternoon, but the Wolves may hold off on re-signing him right away. That’s because adding him immediately would bump up their projected luxury tax hit and nudge them closer to the first tax apron - a line they’d prefer not to cross unless absolutely necessary.
Still, all signs point to Conley being back in a Timberwolves jersey soon. For a team looking to make noise in the postseason, having a battle-tested point guard who knows the system - and knows how to lead - could make a meaningful difference, even if his role is smaller than in years past.