Mike Conley addresses his future in the league.
The Minnesota Timberwolves saw their season come to an end in the second round of the playoffs, losing to the San Antonio Spurs in six games.
The Spurs were able to overwhelm the Timberwolves with their speed and athleticism, on top of having Victor Wembanyama to impact Minnesota players every time they thought about entering the paint.
The Timberwolves did manage to steal one game, thanks in part to Mike Conley turning back the clock and making a big impact.
Conley played 24 minutes, scoring 12 points on 4-7 shooting from three. He was a +12 in the fourth quarter of game one, controlling the offense and holding up defensively.
The Future of Mike Conley
Though Conley looked like the Grit 'N Grind player that many fans fell in love with during his time with the Memphis Grizzlies during game one, he looked like a 38-year-old, 19-year veteran throughout the rest of the series.
Speaking at the Timberwolves exit interviews, Conley addressed his future in the league.
“I’m tryin to play another season, at least... Who knows what that looks like, but it's definitely going to happen," he said.
Though Conley only suited up for the Timberwolves this past season, he was technically part of multiple teams.
The Timberwolves traded him to the Chicago Bulls as part of a larger deal that ultimately resulted in Minnesota acquiring Ayo Dosunmu. The Bulls then traded him to the Charlotte Hornets, who also acquired Coby White.
The Hornets waived Conley, and because Chicago was technically the last team he was part of, Conley was able to rejoin Minnesota.
Bringing Back Conley
Conley is one of the most respected veterans in the league with a wealth of experience that would be valuable to any team in the locker room.
On the court, he is still capable of running an offense and knocking down threes. This past season, he averaged 18 minutes off the bench, and though his numbers were down across the board, the Timberwolves valued his secondary ballhandling with no true point guard.
The Timberwolves clearly value what Conley brings to the locker room, which is why they brought him back after the Hornets waived him. Even if his role is reduced on the court, Minnesota is a team that loves his leadership and intangibles.
The team is expected to make some changes in the offseason after players underperformed in the second round against the Spurs, but bringing back Conley on a veteran's minimum seems likely.