The Minnesota Timberwolves got involved in a three-team trade on Tuesday afternoon. It was a clear cost-cutting move, as Minnesota didn't take back any players in the swap. In exchange for cash considerations, the Timberwolves moved the veteran Mike Conley to the Chicago Bulls and a future first-round swap to the Detroit Pistons.
After cutting ties with the veteran guard, Conley found out he was unlikely to stay with the Chicago Bulls. Roughly 24 hours later, the veteran was included in another trade between the Bulls and the Charlotte Hornets. Once again, Conley's future with his new team is in question.
The Hornets might be one of the hottest teams in the NBA currently, but Conley still doesn't fit their timeline. The key acquisition in the deal is the veteran standout guard, Coby White. In exchange for the two guards, the Hornets moved Collin Sexton, Ousmane Dieng, and three second-round picks.
The Timberwolves Could Be Winners
Mike Conley on a $10.7 million salary didn't work for the Timberwolves, who are active in Giannis Antetokounmpo trade talks, but maybe Mike Conley on a minimum deal would.
Multiple reports have described Conley as a buyout candidate for the Hornets past the deadline. Since he was traded away from the Bulls, Conley is now eligible to sign with the Timberwolves if he becomes available. According to Timberwolves insider Dane Moore, that is a scenario that is "in fact being considered" by the Timberwolves.
The 19-year veteran was in the midst of his fourth season with the Timberwolves. Before getting traded on Tuesday, Conley appeared in 44 games for the Timberwolves. He averaged 4.4 points and 2.9 assists, while shooting 32 percent from the field.
It hasn't been one of Conley's strongest seasons from a statistical standpoint, but the Timberwolves valued him as a veteran leader. Plus, his playoff experience could go a long way for their bench unit in the spring.
Conley will be kept in mind for Minnesota as his situation plays out with Charlotte. In the meantime, the Bucks are likely to continue holding out hope for a potential Antetokounmpo acquisition.
Newsweek
This story was originally published February 4, 2026 at 12:39 PM.