Mike Conley, Minnesota Timberwolves
Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
There has been an incredible amount of smoke trickling out of the Target Center in recent weeks. Clearly Tim Connelly is interested in improving the Minnesota Timberwolves title chances. At 31-20 they are 5th in the Western Conference and need to shake things up.
Big game hunting has been part of the Timberwolves process for a while. They swung a massive deal involving Karl-Anthony Towns, and have been linked to multiple superstars since. Kevin Durant didn’t land, but Giannis Antetokounmpo or James Harden may still.
With salary cap restrictions limiting what the Timberwolves can accomplish, they needed to get creative. That process started on Tuesday.
Mike Conley shipped out by Minnesota Timberwolves
It’s been fun having Mike Conley as a member of the Timberwolves, but the reality is his actual substance has worn out its welcome. At 38 years old, he’s no longer the same player even if Chris Finch wanted to will him into the rotation. Now he’s headed to the Chicago Bulls and creates space for Minnesota.
Bulls and Pistons have desires met here in a young and veteran guards to Chicago and a sharpshooter goes to Detroit. Minnesota creates significant tax savings and roster space as they pursue a Milwaukee star this week. https://t.co/u9FiTn4wTD
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2026
Conley is at the tail end of his career and is not capable of the usage a team like the Minnesota Timberwolves realistically need. Across 44 games this season he had averaged just 4.4 points per game in a career-low 18.5 minutes.
It’s not unexpected that a player would see their skills diminish as they get older, and its a testament to Conley that he has remained in playing shape this long. Headed to the Bulls, Conley can work with their roster and provide a veteran presence.
Minnesota’s purpose in the deal was not to care about a pick swap, but to instead work in more cap flexibility. Shedding his nearly $11 million cap hit pushes the Timberwolves into a much more maneuverable situation.
MN Timberwolves dip below the apron
The Minnesota Timberwolves have dabbled in the first and second apron situations the past couple of seasons. Having that significant of a salary cap situation makes it different to add additional talent. Moving Conley changes things substantially.
Minnesota will see their luxury tax bill drop from $24M to $3.8M.
They are now under the first apron and $3.8M above the tax.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) February 3, 2026
It’s beyond obvious that the MN Timberwolves are interested in Giannis. They are among one of the hottest pursuers of his services, and he’s a big fish that Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore would love to see their team land.
The Greek Freak is a two-time MVP, former Defensive Player of the Year winner, and chasing his second ring. He has averaged 28 points per game this season, and the 31-year-old would pair incredibly with Anthony Edwards.
You certainly don’t look to acquire additional cap space unless you have plans on how to utilize it. Minnesota knows what they want, and now they need to get it done.
Mentioned in this article: Mike Conley
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