Mike Conley's Bizarre Trade Odyssey Culminates in Timberwolves Reunion
In a remarkable twist of NBA roster maneuvering, veteran point guard Mike Conley Jr. is poised to re-sign with the Minnesota Timberwolves, just days after being traded away. This unexpected reunion follows a highly unusual sequence of transactions that leveraged specific league regulations to bring the seasoned playmaker back to his former team.
The Peculiar Trade Pathway
According to reports from ESPN's Shams Charania and sources speaking to KSTP Sports, Conley's journey began when the Timberwolves dealt him to the Chicago Bulls ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline. However, his stay in Chicago was brief, as the Bulls subsequently included him in a package to acquire Coby White, sending him to the Charlotte Hornets.
The critical turn occurred when the Hornets decided to waive Conley on Thursday, effectively making him a free agent. This move created a unique opportunity under NBA rules, allowing the Timberwolves to re-acquire the guard despite having traded him only days earlier.
The "Andrew Bogut Rule" in Action
This reunion is made possible by what's commonly referred to as the "Andrew Bogut Rule" within the NBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Typically, a team cannot re-acquire a player they traded away until one year has passed. However, this restriction applies specifically to the team that most recently traded the player prior to a waiver.
Since Charlotte—not Minnesota—was Conley's most recent team before his release, the Timberwolves became eligible to sign him immediately. Had Chicago waived him instead, Minnesota would have been barred from bringing him back until the following season.
Team Support and Strategic Implications
Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards publicly advocated for Conley's return, stating, "Hopefully we can get him back. I don't really know how it goes, but I keep hearing he can come back, so hopefully he will. We want you back, Mike. He knows we miss him."
Head coach Chris Finch emphasized Conley's importance to the team's recent success, noting that "none of the success" Minnesota has achieved in recent years would have been possible without the veteran guard's contributions.
Conley's Current Role and Financial Considerations
At 38 years old, Conley's statistical production has naturally declined during his fourth season with Minnesota. This season, he has appeared in 44 games, averaging career-lows of 4.4 points, 2.9 assists, and 1.8 rebounds in just 18.5 minutes per game.
Despite diminished numbers, Conley provides invaluable senior leadership and additional backcourt depth for a competitive Timberwolves squad. His return also carries significant financial benefits for the organization.
By trading his $10.7 million contract, Minnesota saved millions in cap space and luxury tax payments. If Conley re-signs on a prorated veteran minimum contract, the team can maintain those savings while still benefiting from his experience and mentorship.
The Timberwolves have only four games remaining before the All-Star break, meaning Conley could potentially rest until at least February 20 if his signing is delayed to further optimize the team's financial situation.
Looking Ahead
Upon his return, Conley is expected to resume his role as Minnesota's primary point guard while serving as the main backup to Donte DiVincenzo. His presence stabilizes the backcourt rotation and provides a reliable veteran presence for a team with postseason aspirations.
This unusual transaction sequence demonstrates how NBA teams can creatively navigate league rules to retain valued players while managing financial constraints. For Mike Conley Jr., the whirlwind of trades has ultimately brought him back to familiar territory, ready to contribute to the Timberwolves' continued pursuit of success.
