Golden State Warriors v Minnesota Timberwolves Mike Conley
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Mike Conley was traded to clear cap space, now a rare loophole could bring him back to Minnesota.
When the Minnesota Timberwolves traded veteran point guard Mike Conley earlier this week, the message was clear. Minnesota wanted flexibility. The front office moved salary and opened a roster spot with a bigger goal in mind: positioning itself for a potential blockbuster pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo while keeping options open to upgrade the point guard spot next to Anthony Edwards.
Less than 24 hours later, that plan took an unexpected turn. One that could, at least theoretically, bring Conley right back to Minnesota before the season ends.
Why Minnesota Moved Conley in the First Place
The Timberwolves initially sent Conley to the Chicago Bulls as part of a salary-dump move. Minnesota received little in return beyond cash considerations and sent Detroit a 2026 first-round pick swap to complete the deal. The real value came off the cap sheet.
By moving Conley’s $10.7 million salary, the Wolves created breathing room. The move helped them stay below the first apron and remain close to the luxury tax line. More importantly, it preserved flexibility ahead of the trade deadline.
At the time, Conley’s future in Chicago looked short-lived. The Bulls already had a crowded guard room. League expectation quickly shifted toward a buyout that would allow Conley to sign with a contender. Chicago chose a different path.
How the Andrew Bogut Rule Reopened the Door
Instead of buying him out, the Bulls rerouted Conley to the Charlotte Hornets in a deal that sent Coby White to Charlotte. That second trade triggered a rare exception in NBA transaction rules known as the Andrew Bogut Rule.
The loophole dates back to 2017. Golden State traded Andrew Bogut to Dallas to clear cap space. Dallas later sent Bogut to Philadelphia, which bought him out. Because Golden State did not execute the buyout, the usual one-year restriction on re-signing a traded player did not apply. Bogut eventually returned to the Warriors. The same logic applies here.
Minnesota did not trade Conley to Charlotte. Because of that, Conley can re-sign with the Timberwolves this season if Charlotte buys him out or trades and releases him again. ESPN’s Bobby Marks and The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer have both reported that while no plan exists, league chatter suggests Minnesota has kept the door open.
What a Conley Return Would Actually Mean on the Court
From a basketball standpoint, the Wolves face a complicated decision. Conley is 38 and clearly past his peak. He is averaging career lows across the board: 18.5 minutes, 4.4 points, and 2.9 assists per game. He is also shooting just 32.2 percent from the field and 32.1 percent from three. The production no longer matches his reputation.
Still, Conley carries value that does not show up in the box score. He knows the system and commands respect in the locker room. He also understands how to manage playoff possessions next to Edwards.
If Minnesota lands Antetokounmpo but cannot flip Rob Dillingham for a proven point guard, Conley could serve as a low-cost stabilizer. The same applies if the Wolves strike out on both fronts. In that scenario, continuity and leadership may outweigh upside.
What once looked like a clean break now feels less final. A rare CBA loophole and rapid trade movement reopened a door Minnesota thought it had closed. Mike Conley’s time with the Timberwolves may not be over after all.