On Tuesday, the Minnesota Timberwolves traded veteran point guard Mike Conley. By Thursday, after another trade and a contract buyout, Conley may return to his former team.
According to NBA rules, teams cannot trade a player and then re-sign him after the player is bought out by his new team. However, since the Chicago Bulls traded Conley to the Charlotte Hornets, and the Hornets bought him out, Conley is free to rejoin the Timberwolves.
Mike Conley’s Impact on the Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves acquired Conley in 2023. He averaged 14 points while shooting 42% from three-point range, helping the team achieve a play-in victory and secure a playoff spot. In his first full season, he recorded 5.9 assists against 1.3 turnovers and shot 44.2% from beyond the arc, leading the team to the Western Conference Finals.
Though his playing time and athleticism decreased in the following season, Conley remained a strong defender, a good passer, and a solid outside shooter. The Timberwolves reached the conference finals again during that time.
Conley has contributed to the success of three different playoff teams in his career, leading the Memphis Grizzlies to the 2013 Western Conference Finals. After being traded to the Utah Jazz in 2020, they finished with the best record in the West in the 2020-21 season. He has also mentored young players like Anthony Edwards and Donovan Mitchell, helping Rudy Gobert achieve impressive shooting efficiency.
Timberwolves Ready to Fill Roster Spots with Conley
The Timberwolves had to part ways with Conley to get under the salary cap apron, allowing them to acquire Ayo Dosunmu in a trade. Now, with two open roster spots available, they can sign Conley to a pro-rated minimum contract for the remainder of the season.
The buyout market includes interesting players like Lonzo Ball and Cam Thomas, but Conley’s playoff experience and familiarity with the team make him a valuable addition. Even if he is the third or fourth point guard, having Conley in the locker room is worthwhile.
The Timberwolves had to let Conley go to enhance their roster, and now they have an opportunity to strengthen it even further by bringing him back.