If Mike Conley suits up next season, he’ll join a group of 13 other players who have spent at least 20 years in an NBA uniform (12 have done it, but the recently re-signed Al Horford of the Golden State Warriors will also join that list next season).
Having spent the last 3 full seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves (other than the brief time he was traded twice, and soon after brought back), it has widely been expected that as long as he does play next year, it would be with the Wolves.
For the first time this offseason, a report has come out linking interest in Conley by another team. Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported his most recent Substack article that the Miami Heat are that club.
"League sources say that the Heat will have strong interest in the veteran duo of Tim Hardaway Jr. and Mike Conley Jr," Fischer wrote.
Could the Timberwolves have competition in the Heat for Mike Conley's services?
Mike Conley seems like a Heat Culture guy
It’s safe to say that the Heat acquired the most talented player who will have changed teams this offseason by trading for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. There are currently questions about Miami’s depth surrounding The Greek Freak.
They won’t have the finances to spend a lot on outside free agents, so Conley would fit under the category of a bargain pickup, as he likely will play next season on a minimum-salary deal.
Turning 39 years old on October 11, Conley’s days of being a top-notch starting point guard are over. He still is someone who rarely turns the ball over and can knock down shots from deep (his 3-ball abandoned him at times last regular season, but Conley found his stroke again in the playoffs).
Due to Chris Finch’s never-ending respect for Conley, it was widely assumed he would remain in Minnesota if he resumed play for Year No. 20. That could still be the case, and it probably will. All of a sudden, the Timberwolves have a young roster, with Gobert the only currently signed player over the age of 30. If his play further declines, Conley can still provide excellent leadership to the club.
Even with LaMelo Ball joining the team via trade, the Wolves could use another lead guard for next season. Both Conley and Bones Hyland are options to be brought back.
I still expect Conley to be a member of the Timberwolves next season, but until it's official, it can't be seen as a certainty.
