The Minnesota Timberwolves have been one of the pleasant surprises in the NBA this season. They entered the All-Star Break in first place in the Western Conference with a record of 39-16, owning a 1.5-game lead over the second-place Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Timberwolves have found success this season on the back of a truly dominant defense. Minnesota currently ranks first in points allowed at 106.7. That has played a big part in them ranking first in the NBA in defensive rating with 108.8 and second in net rating at +7.4.
This is the kind of jump in production many were hoping to see last season after the Timberwolves made a blockbuster deal to acquire Rudy Gobert from the Utah Jazz. However, it was their second trade they were a part of with the Jazz, to acquire Mike Conley Jr. that helped bring everything together.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Mike Conley Jr. & Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
Conley may not be the All-Star caliber player he once was at this point in his career, but his presence has been integral to the team’s success. He remains a heady defender, succeeding in the system head coach Chris Finch has put together.
But, where he makes his biggest impact is on offense, getting everyone organized. Having a leader such as Conley in place has helped things run smoothly with All-Stars Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns leading the way.
He has fit in perfectly as the lead guard for the starting unit. Despite averaging near a career-low 10.6 points per game, he is handing out 6.4 assists and remains an elite 3-point shooter. Conley has knocked down 44.2 percent of his 5.2 attempts per game, keeping opponents honest who attempt to load up on Edwards and Towns.
Knowing they have a great thing in place, the Timberwolves are assuring they can keep the band together long-term. On Monday afternoon, it was announced they have agreed to a two-year extension with Conley.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Mike Conley Jr. & Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, via Steven Heumann and Jess Holtz of CAA Basketball, Conley and the Timberwolves agreed to a two-year, $21 million extension. Originally set to hit the free agent market this offseason, Conley will now remain under contract through the 2025-26 NBA season.
That is a great deal for both sides. The Timberwolves lock in a key player for multiple years, not having to worry about a possible defection during the NBA free agency period. Conley gets multi-year security near the end of his career and gets to stay in a place he is comfortable and can contend for a championship.
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