Perhaps Mike Conley’s departure will be short lived.
While a return is far from guaranteed, the pathway to one opened on Wednesday, a day after the Timberwolves dealt Conley to Chicago as part of a three-team deal that brought Minnesota nothing more than cash considerations and salary cap relief.
Conley was then dealt to Charlotte in a move that also sent Coby White — a once rumored deadline acquisition for Minnesota — to the Hornets.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 16: Mike Conley #10 of the Minnesota Timberwolves walks to the locker room for half time 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)
Charlotte is reportedly likely to buy Conley out of his contract, which would allow the veteran guard to hit the free-agent market. And because another trade has taken place since Minnesota dealt him, Conley, 38, would be eligible to re-sign with the Wolves.
A lot has to happen between now and then for that to happen. First, Charlotte and Conley would need to reach their buyout agreement. Charlotte could still, in theory, find a trade partner for Conley between now and Thursday’s 3 p.m. deadline.
But if a buyout occurred, Minnesota would need to deem Conley as the best man to fill the team’s open roster spot. Other options will exist, such as guard Lonzo Ball, who was reportedly traded from Cleveland to Utah on Wednesday and is expected to be waived by the Jazz.
Further, Conley would need to deem Minnesota as the best place to spend the remainder of his season. The Timberwolves have interest in welcoming the guard back on what would certainly be a pro-rated minimum contract, as the initial trade was merely to shed the remainder of his $10 million annual salary.
Conley is in Minnesota at the moment waiting to uncover his next true NBA destination. There certainly would be value for the veteran guard in re-joining his familiar teammates and organization. He knows his role and fit within the roster, and could resume his pursuit of a championship while remaining at home with his family.
But Conley had already heard from other players around the NBA as of Wednesday and is likely to have options to join other contenders. He’s the type of well-respected veteran every team would love to have.
Conley will have to at least briefly weigh other options — point guard-needy teams like Houston or Denver could serve as potential landing spots — before making a determination. And Minnesota’s roster remains in flux until a trade for Milwaukee superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo does or doesn’t happen on Thursday.
But a return would certainly be welcomed by the Wolves’ current players and coaches. Minnesota assistant coach Pablo Prigioni tweeted Wednesday morning that Conley is a “great player, huge impact on our team and a fantastic person.”
Speaking with reporters in Toronto, Wolves center Rudy Gobert said Conley’s departure was “tough.”
“We all know, we’re all aware it’s a business and those things can happen,” Gobert said. “But when it does happen, it’s always tough. For me, Mike has been a guy that I have a tremendous amount of respect for, and friendship and love for. So, obviously, this morning, you’re on the bus and you see an empty seat, it hits you a little bit.”
Donte DiVincenzo said he’d most miss Conley’s ear, noting he was always someone you could talk to for comfortable, constructive dialogue.
Gobert said Conley has been the example guys have needed, because the team knew he was going to compete, be there for his teammates and do anything he could to win — which is exactly the team identity for which the Wolves aim.
“He’s a guy that I think has brought a lot to this culture and this team, and whether he’s here or not … everything he has brought doesn’t leave with him,” Gobert said. “Hopefully, when we lift that trophy in June, he’ll be a big reason why.”
Who knows, maybe he’ll even be on the stage, lifting it along with them.
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