Mike Conley returns to Minnesota after being traded twice

The Minnesota Timberwolves traded 38-year-old point guard Mike Conley Jr. at the NBA trade deadlinenot only to create some financial flexibility, but also to open the door to follow Ayo Dosunmu. After the Charlotte Hornets traded him again and eventually released him, Conley did is officially back in Minnesota through the end of the 2025-26 season, as first reported by HoopsHipe’s Michael Scotto.

As of the trade deadline, re-signing Conley was a foregone conclusion for the Timberwolves. As a result of Minnesota having 13 players on its active roster through 14 days, it must fill at least one of its two open spots on Tuesday per league rule.

That’s why Conley has officially signed and rejoins the team he’s spent the last four years with.

The reason Conley was allowed to re-sign with the team that originally traded him this season is because after being traded to the Chicago Bulls, the veteran guard once again redirected to Charlotte. He was then released, allowing the Timberwolves to re-sign him.

Although his numbers and efficiency have declined in his 19th NBA season, Conley remains a highly regarded player and has played a key leadership role for the Timberwolves over the past few seasons. Anthony Edwards, Chris Finch and many others in Minnesota always speak highly of his character and ability to help the team grow.

After the trade deadline, Edwards advocated for Conley’s return to the team, making it clear that everyone in the Timberwolves locker room wants to see the veteran return.

“I keep hearing he can come back, so I hope he does, and I hope he sees it,” Edwards said, via Chris Hine of the Minnesota Star Tribune, after a 128-126 win over the Toronto Raptors on Feb. 4. “We want you back, Mike. He knows we miss you.”

In 44 games this season with the Timberwolves, nine of which he started, Conley is averaging 4.4 points and 2.9 assists while shooting 32.1 percent from 3-point range in roughly 18.5 minutes per game.

Conley will likely see fewer minutes on the court in this matchup with Minnesota, especially now that Dosunmu has a key role in the backcourt alongside Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo. The Timberwolves are currently 34-22 and sit in sixth place in the Western Conference after the NBA All-Star break.