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HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 16: Head coach Chris Finch of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on January 16, 2026 in Houston, Texas. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Timberwolves were very active at the trade deadline. They tried very hard to get a deal done for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but were not successful. Still, Minnesota made the decision to trade a first-round pick swap as well as an important player.
Mike Conley Jr. was sent to Chicago in a trade. Despite the fact that Conley Jr. doesn’t start anymore, he is still an important player in the locker room. He is one of the leaders of that team, and he gives them a much-needed veteran presence.
Almost as soon as he was sent to the Bulls in a trade, the Bulls decided to trade him to Charlotte. Chicago has too many guards as it is, so they didn’t want him to be on the roster. The Hornets decided to waive him. Now, it looks like Conley Jr. might be returning to Minnesota.
GettyMinnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr. looks on. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
Timberwolves Expected to Reunite with Mike Conley Jr.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Timberwolves are working through a way to bring the guard back to Minnesota. The timeline is still unclear at the moment. Still, bringing him back is something that Minnesota is making a priority because of how much the team loves him in the locker room.
While Conley Jr. has really fallen off this season, he can still be a stabilizing force in a big game for a five-minute stretch. He is going to be valuable off the bench in the playoffs, especially if they make the deep run that they are expecting to make.
The Timberwolves have made back-to-back Western Conference Finals, so they are expecting to compete for the NBA title this season. That’s a big reason why they wanted to get Antetokounmpo, although they were not able to land him.
GettyMinnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr. dribbles the ball. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
The Timberwolves Feel Good After the Trade Deadline
Despite not being able to land Antetokounmpo, Minnesota still feels good about where they ended up after the trade deadline. Right now, they sit sixth in the Western Conference standings. They still believe they can win the West, no matter which playoff spot they take.
The key for the Timberwolves is to make sure they don’t have to play in a play-in game. Staying in the top six is key for them as the season winds down. They will need to stay healthy in order to achieve that goal, as well. Anthony Edwards is playing at an All-NBA level, as well.
How well Minnesota is able to play on the defensive end might determine how deep they are able to make it in the playoffs. Right now, the Timberwolves have the ninth-best defense in the league. Rudy Gobert has lost a step as a rim protector, but he’s still pretty darn good.
Shoring up the perimeter defense is going to be key for them in the last few weeks of the season.