Timberwolves Could Bring Back Veteran Guard Mike Conley

Conley was recently traded to Charlotte, but a buyout could open the door for a Minnesota return.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 5:07pm

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Mike Conley, the 38-year-old veteran guard, was recently traded from the Timberwolves to the Charlotte Hornets as part of a three-team deal. However, the Hornets are likely to buy out Conley's contract, which would make him a free agent and potentially allow him to re-sign with the Timberwolves, his former team.

Why it matters

Conley's return to the Timberwolves could provide valuable veteran leadership and experience as the team pursues a championship. The Timberwolves have expressed interest in bringing Conley back on a pro-rated minimum contract, as the initial trade was primarily to shed his $10 million annual salary.

The details

The Timberwolves traded Conley to the Charlotte Hornets as part of a three-team deal that also sent Coby White to the Hornets. The Hornets are now expected to buy out Conley's contract, making him a free agent. If Conley clears waivers, he would be eligible to re-sign with the Timberwolves, his former team, as another trade had taken place since Minnesota dealt him.

  • On February 3, 2026, the Timberwolves traded Mike Conley to the Charlotte Hornets.
  • On February 4, 2026, the Hornets are expected to buy out Conley's contract, making him a free agent.

The players

Mike Conley

A 38-year-old veteran guard who was recently traded from the Timberwolves to the Charlotte Hornets.

Coby White

A guard who was traded from the Timberwolves to the Charlotte Hornets as part of the three-team deal.

Timberwolves

The NBA team that traded Mike Conley and is interested in potentially re-signing him as a free agent.

Charlotte Hornets

The NBA team that acquired Mike Conley in a trade and is expected to buy out his contract, making him a free agent.

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What they’re saying

“A lot has to happen between now and then. First, Charlotte and Conley would need to reach their buyout agreement. Then, Minnesota would need to deem Conley as the best man to fill the team's open roster spot, and Conley would need to deem Minnesota as the best place to spend the remainder of his season.”

— Jace Frederick, Author

What’s next

If the Hornets and Conley reach a buyout agreement, Conley would become a free agent and the Timberwolves would need to decide if they want to re-sign him to fill an open roster spot.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the fluidity of player movement in the NBA, as a recent trade could potentially lead to Conley returning to the Timberwolves, his former team, if the right circumstances align. The Timberwolves' interest in bringing back the veteran guard shows their desire to add experienced talent as they pursue a championship.