Mike Conley Jr. is a Timberwolf for two more seasons

Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Mike Conley received a two-year contract extension worth up to $22 million that includes a full no-trade clause which is great for the veteran that marries him to the Wolves for the foreseeable future.

This is the first domino to fall for the Wolves considering their upcoming luxury tax situation this summer. 

The Timberwolves, before Conley Jr.’s new contract, were four million dollars over the luxury tax, and even though the full details of the deal have yet to be released, this will presumably bring the Timberwolves over the second luxury tax apron.

Conley Jr. is worth the deal because he's the straw that stirs the Timberwolves' offensive drink. However, this does mean significant moves will have to be made this offseason unless Minnesota wants to run back the same team deep into the luxury tax. 

The likely chess piece on the move is Karl-Anthony Towns. He was in light trade discussions all this past off-season, but the Wolves never made it too serious. He is currently having a bounce-back season and his value will certainly be viewed in a much higher regard this off-season.

With those cap questions coming up this summer, it also brings a question of what the Wolves will do with newly acquired floor general Monte Morris this offseason. He was brought in on an expiring contract, and he should be due for a payday, plus a starting spot elsewhere.

There is a world where there is a passing of the torch between Conley Jr. and Morris in the coming seasons, but even that would require even more cap gymnastics. 

Regardless, the Wolves have been first place in the Western Conference for a majority of the season and remain at the All-Star break. None of the success would have been possible without Conley Jr. From his on-court play to his locker-room presence, the Wolves needed to keep him around.