Earlier this week, the Minnesota Timberwolves finalized their plans with Mike Conley Jr. by signing the veteran guard two weeks after trading him away.
Conley was first sent in a three-team deal to the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls packaged him with Coby White in a swap with the Charlotte Hornets the following day. The Hornets waived Conley the day after that.
Being traded twice made Conley eligible to rejoin the Timberwolves after lowering their luxury tax bill by jettisoning his original salary. Getting beneath the first apron allowed them the flexibility to acquire guard Ayo Dosunmu in a separate deal with the Bulls.
Conley spoke on Thursday about his return to Minnesota, expressing plenty of happiness.
**_\*\*\*Click the video box above to watch Conley meet with reporters Thursday, plus to get a team-wide update from coach Chris Finch\*\*\*_**
Conley’s production and playing time have dwindled this season, but he has long been a revered presence on the team for his leadership, savvy and experience. He’s a four-time winner of the NBA Sportsmanship Award and a two-time teammate of the year honoree by the league.
Head coach Chris Finch also spoke on Thursday about what he hopes to see this final 26 regular season games. The Wolves are currently in 6th place in the Western Conference, just 1.5 games out of from 3rd.
The Wolves host Dallas on Friday. Star rookie Cooper Flagg (ankle) will not play for the Mavs.
_The Associated Press contributed to this story_