Mike Conley to Rejoin Timberwolves: Plans Announced
Veteran point guard Mike Conley plans to rejoin the Minnesota Timberwolves after clearing waivers, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. This news follows a series of trades he experienced this week.
Recent Trades Involving Mike Conley
Initially, Minnesota traded Conley to the Chicago Bulls in a salary-dump deal on Tuesday. The Bulls then traded him to the Charlotte Hornets along with Coby White. After this, Conley was waived by the Hornets.
Restrictions and Opportunities
- NBA rules prevent a player from re-signing with the team that traded him after being waived.
- However, since Conley was traded twice, he can reunite with the Timberwolves once he clears waivers.
- Once a free agent, Conley cannot re-sign with the Bulls but has the option to return to Minnesota.
Conley’s Performance and Role
This season, in his 19th year in the NBA, Conley has experienced a decline in production. He became the Timberwolves’ starting point guard after joining them at the 2023 trade deadline but has since ceded that position to Donte DiVincenzo.
- Average minutes per game: 18.5 (career low)
- Points per game: 4.4 (career low)
- Assists per game: 2.9 (career low)
- Field goal percentage: 32.2% (career low)
Timberwolves’ Strategy
Despite Conley’s decreasing statistics, the Timberwolves valued his leadership in the locker room. The management recognized an opportunity to relieve themselves of his $10.8 million expiring contract and potentially bring him back on a prorated minimum-salary deal. This approach serves the team’s financial strategy while keeping Conley within the organization.
Currently, Minnesota has two open spots on its 15-man roster, meaning no additional moves will be required to accommodate Conley. The Timberwolves are reportedly coordinating the timing of his re-signing.
Conley’s waiver period ends on Saturday afternoon. However, the Timberwolves may delay re-signing him to manage their projected luxury tax penalties effectively.
