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Mike Conley, 39, Dismisses Retirement, Plans to Play

5/18/2026

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Summary

Conley Rejects Retirement

Mike Conley, veteran guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves, says he intends to keep playing rather than retire.
He will be 39 at the start of the 2026-27 season, dismissing retirement rumors.
In the 2026 NBA Playoffs he appeared in 12 games, starting five as the Timberwolves’ secondary ball-handler.
He told The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski he still has fuel left and will stay ready for opportunity.

Summary

Reid Blames Moodiness

Naz Reid said the Timberwolves' moodiness caused their playoff loss, referencing the Spurs-Thunder matchup.
He posted 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting with seven rebounds in the loss and will earn $23 million next season under a five-year extension with a 2029-2030 option.
Julius Randle averaged 12.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists, ended Game 6 with a 1-of-8 three-point attempt, and skipped the post-season interview, drawing criticism.

History

Historical Context

On June 28 1989, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar announced his retirement at age 42 after twenty seasons, ending the Lakers’ run of eight straight Western Conference Finals and a ninth consecutive Pacific Division title (57-25 record). His departure followed a season where Magic Johnson earned MVP honors and the team fell to the Pistons in the Finals, underscoring the league’s shift toward veteran longevity.

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Conley Rejects Retirement

Mike Conley, veteran guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves, says he intends to keep playing rather than retire.
He will be 39 at the start of the 2026-27 season, dismissing retirement rumors.
In the 2026 NBA Playoffs he appeared in 12 games, starting five as the Timberwolves’ secondary ball-handler.
He told The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski he still has fuel left and will stay ready for opportunity.

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