The Minnesota Timberwolves are likely to make a move ahead of February 5th's trade deadline. Mike Conley is clearly declining, and the Wolves are looking to upgrade their point guard room. They have recently been linked to Coby White, and many people are wondering if this deal could include Conley. However, I doubt that they would move off Conley for White or another player.
Now this might not be what fans want to hear. I get it, Conley hasn't been great, he's averaging just 5.3 points on 36.3 percent from the field. Plus, his expiring $10.7 million salary could help the Timberwolves make a trade without having to give up a ton. However, Conley's importance as a veteran presence and relationship with the franchise make a trade improbable, for better or worse.
Conley took a pay cut to stay in Minnesota and has the ultimate trust of the organization. Given this, I can't see them trading him. And frankly, Conley has limited trade value, so I'm not sure what deal he'd be part of unless he's used as salary filler.
A Mike Conley trade is unlikely
Head coach Chris Finch regularly praises Conley, and he trusts him more than just about anyone on the team.
Chris Finch on Mike Conley’s impact for the Wolves
— Andrew Dukowitz (@adukeMN) December 7, 2025
“He’s huge, his experience, he makes all the small plays. His defense is on point, when he gets beat it’s usually only because he loses the physical matchup… we’re just better with him on the floor, certainly in clutch… pic.twitter.com/YeEOPNJjo6
Finch's comments reflect a clear trust in Conley, as does the fact that he plays 19.1 minutes per game. It's fair to believe that this trust and respect for Conley runs through the entire organization.
While trading for a point guard would hurt Conley's minutes, his main value is as a leader, and I don't see the Wolves bailing on that, especially since Conley wants to be in Minnesota, even if it's in a limited on-court role.
Conley is also regularly praised by his teammates, and he is a true leader for this squad. His connection with Rudy Gobert is the most well-known, but Conley has helped everyone on this team, from Anthony Edwards to the young guys. Trading Conley simply doesn't seem like a move this organization would make, especially since this very well could be his last season. Trading him could hurt team chemistry, and as mentioned earlier, he isn't that appealing of a trade piece.
In many ways, Conley is the leader of this team. He is a 19-year veteran with incredible basketball IQ and a calming presence. One recent example of Conley's leadership is when he called a team meeting after a sluggish stretch for the Wolves.
I'm not saying that the Wolves don't have people who could step up as leaders. However, it's clear that the Wolves value Conley's leadership presence, and that makes a trade unlikely. Conley is super impactful on the court these days, but he is still a smart decision maker and a stabilizing playmaking force.
Ultimately, it's fair to expect the Wolves to make a move ahead of the deadline, just don't expect it to involve Conley.