Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Minnesota Timberwolves acquired Mike Conley in one of the greatest trade coups in franchise history, and one that is directly responsible for two-straight Western Conference Finals appearances in 2024 and 2025.
In the deal, D’Angelo Russell — who was beefing with Rudy Gobert and causing major problems in the Wolves locker room at the time — along with Malik Beasley — who’s now facing point-shaving allegations — and Jarred Vanderbilt were shipped to the LA Lakers.
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
In return, Minnesota received Mike Conley and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, plus (3) second round draft picks. Immediately, the transaction fixed multiple issues the Wolves had both on and off the floor.
And it didn’t take long, upon his arrival, for Conley to become one of the Timberwolves’ main locker room leaders and connectors. NAW, meanwhile, blossomed into one of the best two-way guards in the NBA.
Mike Conley leaving Minnesota one offseason after NAW
Unfortunately, the Wolves chose to keep Naz Reid and Julius Randle last offseason, instead of Alexander-Walker, who went on to win “Most Improved Player” this season, averaging 20.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.
But on Wednesday, they lost a now 38-year-old Mike Conley to the Boston Celtics, after the two sides reached a deal on a new veteran minimum contract for 2026-27.
Free agent guard Mike Conley Jr. has agreed to a one-year deal to sign with the Boston Celtics, sources tell ESPN. Conley becomes only the 14th player in NBA history to reach 20 seasons. pic.twitter.com/RjZT8jhTzm
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2026
Related: MN Timberwolves Chasing LeBron James
Conley had been flirting with other NBA teams recently. But even as recently as Tuesday, the 19-year-veteran was still expected to sign back with the Minnesota Timberwolves for his final pro season.
Unexpected loss for Timberwolves
By Wednesday morning, however, something had changed. So now, Tim Connelly will undoubtedly be on the hunt for more backcourt depth, behind Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball.
Mike Conley is more proof (if you needed it) that Father Time is undefeated. In 3.5 seasons as a member of the MN Timberwolves, Mike Conley averaged 9 points, 4.6 assists and 2.5 rebounds (25.3 minutes) per game.
That’s way off career averages before arriving in Minnesota. As a member of the Memphis Grizzlies and Utah Jazz (2007-2023 – 15.5 seasons), Mike averaged over 14 points, 3 rebounds and nearly 6 assists per game.
Mentioned in this article: Mike Conley NBA Free Agency NBA Offseason
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