Timberwolves Should Bring Back Veteran Mike Conley

After a trade and contract buyout, Conley could return to his former team in Minnesota.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The Minnesota Timberwolves traded veteran point guard Mike Conley in February 2026. However, after another trade and a contract buyout, Conley is now free to return to the Wolves. Despite Conley's playing time and athleticism declining in recent seasons, he still provides strong defense, ball distribution, and outside shooting that could benefit the Timberwolves, who have reached the Western Conference Finals in consecutive seasons with Conley on the roster.

Why it matters

Conley has a history of elevating playoff teams, having helped the Memphis Grizzlies and Utah Jazz reach new heights. His experience and leadership could be valuable for the young Timberwolves squad as they look to build on their recent success and make another deep postseason run.

The details

The Timberwolves traded for Conley in 2023, and he helped the team reach the playoffs and the Western Conference Finals in his first two seasons with the team. While his production dipped in the following season, Conley still provided strong defense, passing, and outside shooting. The Timberwolves had to trade Conley to get under the salary cap, but now they have two open roster spots and can sign him to a pro-rated minimum contract for the rest of the season.

  • The Timberwolves traded for Mike Conley in 2023.
  • Conley averaged 14 points and shot 42% from three-point range in the 2023-24 season, helping the Timberwolves reach the playoffs.
  • In the 2024-25 season, Conley averaged 5.9 assists against 1.3 turnovers while shooting 44.2% from deep as the Timberwolves reached the Western Conference Finals.
  • The Timberwolves traded Conley in February 2026 to get under the salary cap.
  • After a contract buyout, Conley is now free to return to the Timberwolves for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

The players

Mike Conley

A veteran point guard who has helped elevate several playoff teams in his career, including the Memphis Grizzlies and Utah Jazz.

Anthony Edwards

A young star player for the Minnesota Timberwolves who has benefited from Conley's leadership and experience.

Donovan Mitchell

Another young player who Conley has helped develop during his time with the Utah Jazz.

Rudy Gobert

The star center for the Utah Jazz who saw his shooting efficiency improve with Conley as his teammate.

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What they’re saying

“Even if he's only the third or fourth point guard, it's worth it simply to have Conley in the locker room.”

— Sean Keane, Sportswriter and comedian (yardbarker.com)

What’s next

The Timberwolves have two open roster spots and can sign Conley to a pro-rated minimum contract for the rest of the season.

The takeaway

Bringing back the veteran Conley could provide valuable experience and leadership to the young Timberwolves squad as they look to build on their recent playoff success and make another deep postseason run.