BREAKING: Timberwolves Sign Mike Conley to $21 Million Extension
In a stunning move, the Minnesota Timberwolves have secured veteran point guard Mike Conley for two more years with a lucrative $21 million contract extension. This breaking news was first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter.
Conley, who is currently 36 years old and the 10th oldest player in the league, was set to enter free agency this summer. However, the Timberwolves were determined to keep him in their backcourt and out of the clutches of other teams. With this new deal, Conley will remain under contract until the 2025-2026 season.
Last season, the Timberwolves acquired Conley in a blockbuster three-team trade, which saw them also acquire Nickeil Alexander-Walker and multiple draft picks. This move has paid off tremendously for Minnesota, as Conley has been a key contributor to their impressive 39-16 record and their position at the top of the ultra-competitive Western Conference.
Throughout this season, Conley has been a force to be reckoned with, averaging 10.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game. His shooting has been nothing short of remarkable, with a field goal percentage of 44.4%, a three-point percentage of 44.2%, and a free throw percentage of 92.3%. In fact, he ranks third in the NBA in free throw percentage among players who attempt at least one per game.
Analyzing Conley’s shot chart reveals his prowess from beyond the arc. He is shooting over 50% from both corners and over 40% from everywhere else beyond the three-point line. This level of efficiency puts him in an elite group of players, including Steph Curry, Malik Beasley, and Grayson Allen.
Furthermore, Conley has showcased his ability to run the Timberwolves’ offense alongside big men Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns. With Gobert, the pick and roll duo is averaging an impressive 1.21 points per possession, while Towns is even more dominant at 1.44 points per possession.
When asked about his chemistry with Gobert, Conley expressed his satisfaction with their two-man game. He emphasized that their success is not solely reliant on their individual skills but also on the coaching staff’s strategic approach.
With Conley’s contract extension, the Timberwolves have solidified their backcourt and positioned themselves as serious contenders in the Western Conference. Fans can expect more thrilling performances from Conley as he continues to contribute to the team’s success. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development.
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES: COACH FINCH PRAISES CONLEY AFTER BIG WIN
In an exclusive interview following the Minnesota Timberwolves’ impressive 118-103 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, head coach Chris Finch couldn’t help but express his admiration for the team’s star player, Conley.
“He’s not just a nice guy, he’s a killer on the court when it matters most,” Finch said. “From day one, he saw the potential in this team and knew we were determined to win. And he’s delivered, bringing us numerous victories.”
The Timberwolves will resume their season after the All-Star break on February 23, facing off against the formidable Milwaukee Bucks. Currently, they hold a 1.5-game lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder and a 2-game lead over the Los Angeles Clippers. Their upcoming matches against the Clippers on March 3 and March 12 will undoubtedly be crucial in maintaining their position.
Despite having the 10th easiest schedule for the remainder of the season based on opponents’ winning percentages, the Timberwolves are well aware that there are no easy games in the talent-packed Western Conference.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Timberwolves’ quest for success.
By Atticus O’Brien-Pappalardo
According to the Source heavy.com