Veteran Conley Rejoins Timberwolves After Brief Stint Elsewhere

38-year-old point guard happy to be back with team despite reduced playing time

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Veteran NBA point guard Mike Conley has rejoined the Minnesota Timberwolves after a brief two-week stint with other teams. Conley, 38, was traded to the Chicago Bulls and then the Charlotte Hornets before being waived and re-signing with the Timberwolves on a prorated minimum contract. Though his playing time will be limited, Conley is glad to be back with the team he has helped lead to the Western Conference finals the past two seasons.

Why it matters

Conley's veteran leadership and experience have been invaluable to the Timberwolves, who have had great regular season and playoff success with him on the roster over the past two years. His return, even in a reduced role, provides stability and continuity for the team as they make another push for the postseason.

The details

Conley was traded to the Chicago Bulls and then the Charlotte Hornets in early February, but was waived and re-signed by the Timberwolves on a prorated minimum contract. Though his playing time will be limited with the emergence of younger guards like Ayo Dosunmu and Bones Hyland, Conley is happy to be back with the team and contribute in whatever way he can as they make another run at the playoffs.

  • Conley was traded to the Chicago Bulls on February 3, 2026.
  • Conley was then traded to the Charlotte Hornets on February 4, 2026.
  • Conley was waived on February 5, 2026.
  • Conley re-signed with the Timberwolves on February 14, 2026.

The players

Mike Conley

A 38-year-old veteran point guard who has played a key leadership role for the Minnesota Timberwolves over the past two seasons.

Chris Finch

The head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

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What they’re saying

“The two weeks off, that was great. The first two days off, it wasn't so great. It was a lot of — I call it — stress, but it's a little crazy. But after that, once I heard that I'd be bought out and be a free agent, I was like, 'Man, I won't have to come to work. Like, I don't have to do a dang thing. Stay-at-home-dad for a few days, got out to go on All-Star break a little early, got to enjoy some time with the family.'”

— Mike Conley, NBA Player (sfchronicle.com)

“Honestly, he's meant so much to us. We don't have the success that we've had without him. It's great to have him back for all the reasons — the leadership and the maturity and the experience that he brings. So fortunate.”

— Chris Finch, Head Coach (sfchronicle.com)

What’s next

The Timberwolves will look to Conley's veteran leadership and experience as they make another push for the playoffs, despite his reduced playing time.

The takeaway

Conley's willingness to accept a lesser role and contribute in whatever way he can shows his commitment to the Timberwolves and their continued success. His veteran presence and championship pedigree remain valuable assets for the team as they aim to build on their recent playoff runs.