Mike Conley returning to Timberwolves after being traded twice in a week

Mike Conley Jr. is heading to Minnesota — again.

The veteran point guard “plans to return” to the Timberwolves after being traded by the franchise earlier this week, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

The two sides are reportedly “working on the timing” of their reunion.

On Tuesday, Conley, 38, was dealt to the Bulls along with the Pistons’ Jaden Ivey in a three-team trade that sent Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric to Detroit. 

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) bring the ball up the court against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Delta Center. Rob Gray-Imagn Images

At the time, the move was looked at as a cap-saving deal for the Wolves, who gave the Pistons a 2026 first-round protected pick swap while receiving no players or picks in the deal, as they pursued the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo.

One day later, the Bulls sent Conley and Coby White to the Hornets in exchange for Collin Sexton, Ousmane Dieng and three second-round picks. 

Not long after the deal, Conley was bought out by Charlotte, paving the way for his return to Minnesota because he was traded a second time before being let go. 

Conley was in the final season of a two-year deal worth north of $20 million.

Mike Conley is able to return to the Timberwolves after being multiple transactions removed from last playing with the team. NBAE via Getty Images

Playing in his 19th NBA season, Conley is averaging career lows of 4.4 points and 2.9 assists across 44 games. 

Despite his drop in production, Conley has played a key role in Minnesota’s rotation as the only true point guard playing significant minutes. 

The Wolves, who largely stayed put at the trade deadline after their flirtation with Antetokounmpo, are sitting at 32-20 in a virtual tie for the fourth spot in the Western Conference standings. 

They are looking to get over the hump in the postseason after falling in the West finals in each of the past two seasons.