The 2025-26 season may be the last ride for one of the most respected veterans in the NBA, and one of the most beloved guys in recent Minnesota Timberwolves history. Mike Conley, who's about to turn 38 this fall, enters the final year of his contract with Minnesota while holding a much different role than when he first arrived. His minutes have steadily decreased, his scoring has taken a notable step back, and yet his value to the locker room remains.
Conley averaged just 8.2 points per game last season in what was his quietest campaign since his rookie year. He played under 25 minutes a night and was frequently subbed out in key stretches as the Wolves experimented with younger lineups or leaned more on Anthony Edwards' growing lead guard responsibilities.
None of this came as a surprise given Conley’s age, but it was also a pretty clear indicator of the team's direction. It would be hard to envision Minnesota bringing him back again on a new deal next summer unless he was willing to return on a minimum deal while playing a lesser role.
And at the same time, Conley's presence remains uniquely important in the eyes of Chris Finch. Last season, he was frequently the guy to calm things down when the team was still trying to figure out how to best incorporate Julius Randle.
Conley is still valued, but it's clear his best days are behind him
Mike remained the quiet floor general who knows how to organize, lead, and anticipate what needs to happen next. There is a reason he has remained a staple in Minnesota’s rotation, even as his numbers and overall performance have dipped. The coaches trust him, and the fanbase understandably loves him.
But even the most beloved veterans eventually face the end of the road, and the writing is beginning to appear on the wall here. The Timberwolves will likely spend the season evaluating other guard options more heavily, especially with two straight trips to the Western Conference Finals under their belt.
This is no longer a team that can afford to hold on to what worked a couple of years ago. They need reliability, athleticism, and scoring from the point guard position if they hope to stay at the top of the conference.
That ultimately doesn't lessen what Conley has meant to the franchise since arriving in 2023. If anything, it makes his inevitable farewell tour all the more meaningful. He played a crucial role in helping this young core really come into their own. And when the season wraps up, he will have done it the way he always has: quietly, selflessly, and with the full respect of everyone around him.