Mike Conley, Minnesota Timberwolves
Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Prior to the NBA trade deadline the Minnesota Timberwolves traded Mike Conley to the Chicago Bulls. The veteran point guard was sucking up nearly $11 million in salary cap space, and moving him allowed the franchise to dip under the first apron.
Conveniently, the Bulls decided against rostering Conley as well and shipped his salary to the Charlotte Hornets. There was an expectation he had been moved solely as financial posturing, and that has now come to fruition.
Released by the Hornets, Conley is now a free agent and able to sign for the veteran minimum.
Minnesota Timberwolves return on deck for Mike Conley
Arguably the most disappointing aspect of dealing Mike Conley was that Bite Bite wouldn’t be finishing the season in Minnesota. Thankfully the basketball gods worked their magic, and now that looks to be possible.
Free agent guard Mike Conley Jr. plans to return to the Minnesota Timberwolves, sources tell ESPN. The sides are working on timing of him re-signing. Conley was traded twice this week – to Chicago, then to Charlotte – before being released and allowed to rejoin the Wolves. pic.twitter.com/ht6HVIIqm4
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 6, 2026
Conley can return to the MN Timberwolves on a veteran minimum contract. The deal will be prorated given the duration into the season, which also is of important to Minnesota.
Mike Conley’s rest of season contract will be pro-rated based on the number of days left in the season. The longer he waits to comeback, the lesser the cap hit.
This could be relevant for the Wolves while trying to fill the other open roster spot, in addition to Conley.
I think…
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) February 6, 2026
As Dane Moore points out, it behooves the Timberwolves to wait just a little bit on Conley. First of all, Ayo Dosunmu joining the rotation is plenty of a boost for the minutes that Conley may have accounted for. Beyond that, the veteran is averaging just 4.4 points per game while being handed 18.5 minutes per game.
There is benefit to Conley’s return, but his leadership and locker room presence may be the greatest extent of it. He could conceivably offer value in short bursts during the playoffs, but that is still months away.
At 32-20, the MN Timberwolves are currently 6th in the Western Conference. The NBA All-Star Game is scheduled for February 15th. They have just four games until then (NOR, LAC, ATL, and POR). That slate isn’t daunting, and the saving or maneuvering to wait on Conley makes sense.
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