Mike Conley’s playing time has declined significantly this season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, as the team aims to introduce younger players into the lineup. Although this is the case, head coach Chris Finch admits it is difficult not to play the 19-year-old veteran.
Speaking to media members on Tuesday, Finch admitted that removing the 38-year-old point guard from the rotation is one of the toughest decisions he has made in his coaching career, according to Timberwolves reporter Dan Moore. Finch compared not playing with Conley to being on offense.
“Honestly, it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do in coaching,” Finch said of benching Conley. “Especially with who he is as a person and professional, and everything he’s done for us. Feels like a crime against humanity.”
Chris Finch was asked what it was like to have Mike Connelly removed from the rotation.
“To be honest with you, it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do in coaching… especially with who he is as a person and a professional, and everything he’s done for us. It feels… pic.twitter.com/jSeYDaP3BD
– Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) 24 March 2026
Mike Conley has played in 47 games for the Timberwolves this season, starting nine of those contests. His playing time decreased shortly after as he was traded twice this season (first to the Chicago Bulls, then to the Charlotte Hornets) before being released by Charlotte, only to re-sign with Minnesota.
In the games he played, Conley averaged career lows in minutes (17.8), points (4.1), rebounds (1.7), assists (2.9), and steals (0.6). His field goal percentage (31.5%) and three-point percentage (31.1%) are also career lows.
Conley is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent after the 2025-26 campaign. The one-time All-Star will get an opportunity to sign with a new team in the offseason. However, due to lack of playing time and his age, it is likely that Mike Conley will retire after this season.
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