Mike Conley
As expected, the larval Charlotte Hornets have announced that they’ve waived 38-year-old point guard Mike Conley, who they acquired from the Chicago Bulls as part of yesterday’s Coby White–Collin Sexton swap.
Unable to escape Father Time’s clutches, Conley has been declining for the past couple of seasons. In 2024-25, he averaged a then career-low 8.2 points per game, shooting 40.0% from the field. However, he converted 41.0% of his 3s and averaged 4.5 assists to 1.1 turnovers per game. Between his leadership, experience, playmaking, and defense, he still made himself valuable to a contender.
A season later, Conley remains a heady facilitator and disciplined defender. However, he’s averaging just 4.4 points per game, shooting 32.2% from the field and 32.1% from 3. Consequently, the team that signs him likely won’t be expecting a sizable or significant statistical impact. Nevertheless, he can provide value in myriad ways, both tangibly and intangibly.
Due to Conley’s age, retirement breathing down his neck, a return to the Memphis Grizzlies is possible. Conley played for the Grizzlies for 12 seasons, and is high on the list of their respected former players. Yet, the Grizzlies have entered a rebuild after trading Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz, which may not appeal to the 19-year NBA veteran.
