During his time in Minnesota, Mike Conley has again proven that – even at the age of 36 – he’s a high-end starting point guard capable of running any team.
He has developed into a lethal 3-point shooter while maintaining his abilities to defend his position and make the right decision on offense every trip down the floor.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley passes away from New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas (17) in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Monday, Dec. 11, 2023. The Pelicans won 121-107. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

It would’ve been interesting to see how the point guard’s market would have developed in free agency this offseason. But things never got that far, as Conley agreed to a team-friendly two year, $21 million extension over the all-star break.

Why was Conley so set on staying in Minnesota? He truly believes this is a place where he can compete for a championship.

“Winning is obviously, at this stage of my career, No. 1. It’s not about anything else,” Conley told reporters on Thursday. “I guess my family, they’re another big reason. Want to be somewhere where they want to be and feel comfortable. But yeah, I just want to win, whatever that means. Whatever that takes, whatever role I have. I’ll just do that.”

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch knows that’s what so many players want to do. The victories are what can and will make Minnesota an attractive destination for players.

“There’s a lot of people that want to go and play with a team that is ready to win,” Finch told reporters Thursday. “I think Mike sees all of that here.”

Of course, Minnesota’s win-loss record this season – and current spot atop the Western Conference standings – was quite a sales pitch in itself. But Conley has seen all aspects of the way the organization is building and operating, which gives him confidence the Wolves are ascending rather than plateauing.

“It’s got good people leading the way, people with great intentions and are trying to build a team that can compete for years to come. Give fans something to be excited about,” Conley said. “Organizations like this you don’t want to pass up on. Hopefully we can continue building, continue getting better and, moving forward, we keep making runs.”

Those are more likely because of Conley’s presence. He has been a key steadying figure when Minnesota has needed it. He’s a leader. He’s also the type of pass-first point guard that keeps the offense moving, with the perimeter shooting that keeps the floor spaced.

“We know how important he’s been for us. I think this is a great spot for him,” Finch said. “We have a couple guys, Ant and KAT, who can really carry the load, high-usage guys alongside of him so he doesn’t have to do everything from the point guard spot every night. He’s invaluable for sure, and we’re very happy we got (the deal) done.”

The fit is probably better than anyone could’ve imagined when Minnesota acquired Conley via trade a year ago. The guard admitted he didn’t know much about Minnesota prior to his arrival. Now he just knows how well he fits.

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“It’s amazing how everything has kind of worked out and shaked out so far. I don’t think any of us could’ve imagined a year ago that we’d necessarily be sitting where we’re at right now and the fashion that we’ve done it, as quickly as we’ve done it,” Conley said. “But that’s what we want and what we’ve been working toward all summer. All preseason, the goals we’ve had. We just went out there and done it on a nightly basis. I’m excited, but not super surprised.”