The Boston Celtics made their first addition of free agency on Wednesday morning, signing veteran point guard Mike Conley to a one-year deal, per Shams Charania of ESPN.
What happened?
The financials on this contract have yet to be reported, however, the move might not make that much of an impact on Boston's bankroll given the fact that Conley is entering his twentieth season in the NBA. The 38-year-old has established himself as a true professional and has been appreciated at every stop in his career, including the Memphis Grizzlies, Utah Jazz, and - most recently - the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Why it matters for Boston Celtics
He's played in over 1,300 games over the course of his lengthy career and earned an NBA All-Star nod in 2021. In recent years, Conley has assumed the role of a veteran presence in the locker room. His minutes decreased and his on-court production dipped, but he still managed to help the Timberwolves to a Game 1 win over the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 Western Conference Semifinals.
What comes next?
The 6-foot-1 guard contributed 12 points (on 4 triples) in 24 minutes during the 104-102 victory, though, the Spurs still went on to win the series. The Celtics may use Conley as a backup ball-handler behind guys like Derrick White and Payton Pritchard. His playing time probably won't surpass the 20-minute-per-game-mark again, yet he could be good for some spot minutes and, more importantly, teaching some of the younger Celtics how to be pros in the Association.
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| 2026-05-02 | Boston Celtics 100-109 Philadelphia 76ers |
The Celtics' recent form has been tough, with a record of 0W-0D-5L, including the loss to the 76ers. But, it's hard to argue against a culture add for a minimal amount of money. Boston's biggest offseason questions aren't addressed with this signing, as trade talks continue to swirl around Celtics star Jaylen Brown. And with Conley on board, the Celtics will look to turn their season around, starting with their next game.
