After being traded to the Chicago Bulls in a salary dump move on Tuesday, it was clear that Mike Conley didn't have a future in Chicago. It was widely expected that the former Minnesota Timberwolves guard would be bought out and sign with a contender. However, per Bobby Marks of ESPN, Conley being rerouted in another trade and bought out from there is another possibility. In this scenario, Conley could actually return to Minnesota.
"There are two teams to watch Wednesday -- for different reasons: the Chicago Bulls and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Sources told ESPN that the Bulls are exploring trades to move the newly acquired Mike Conley. He won't be allowed to move until Kevin Huerter and Jaden Ivey report and pass their physical from Tuesday's trade. If Conley’s $10.7 million contract is traded and then waived, he could re-sign with the Timberwolves," Marks wrote.
There are a lot of moving parts, and honestly, I don't see why the Bulls wouldn't simply buy him out. Regardless, a return to the Twin Cities is possible for Conley, and that's something I don't think anyone saw coming. Again, who knows if this actually happens, but it's certainly worth discussing. One thing I do know, though, is that Chris Finch is delighted by this possibility.
Mike Conley could return to Minnesota after all
The focus for the Timberwolves right now is, of course, their pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, let us not forget that Minnesota's point guard play has plagued the team all season long. Outside of making a move for Giannis, it's fair to expect that the Wolves will pursue a trade for a point guard ahead of Thursday afternoon. Perhaps the two moves are connected.
However, if the Wolves strike out on Giannis, expect them to try to flip Rob Dillingham for a guard. Can they get an impact player back for the struggling second-year guard? I'm not sure, but Tim Connelly will surely try everything in his power to make a move.
Let's just say, though, the Wolves strike out on Giannis and trading for a point guard. If Conley is traded (again) and bought out, it might make sense for the Wolves to bring him back. I get it, this is a lot of ifs, but my point is there's actually a scenario where a reunion could make sense.
Heck, even if the Wolves pull off a trade for Giannis and don't get a point guard back, bringing Conley back could make sense. Yes, Conley hasn't been productive in year 19. He is averaging just 4.4 points on 32.9 percent shooting from the field. Conley's presence as a veteran leader is still valuable, though.
It's worth wondering if the Wolves can trade for a PG or sign another buyout player who is better than Conley. Obviously, it's possible, but I don't know if it's guaranteed, and Conley might be back like he never left.