Time moves differently in the NBA. For most players, hitting 30 is the beginning of the end. By 35, they’re usually scouting beach houses in Cabo or taking a seat on a TV set to argue about "the good old days."
But Mike Conley isn't like most players.
If you’re wondering how old is Mike Conley, the number is 38. Born on October 11, 1987, the Minnesota Timberwolves floor general is officially one of the elder statesmen of the league. It’s wild to think he was drafted back in 2007. To put that in perspective, the iPhone hadn't even been on shelves for four months when Conley made his professional debut.
He’s currently in the thick of the 2025-26 season. While many of his draft classmates like Greg Oden have been retired for a decade, Conley is still logging meaningful minutes. He isn't just a "locker room guy" either. He’s the person the Wolves trust to settle the offense when things get chaotic.
The Secret to 38: Why Mike Conley Doesn't Age
Seriously, how is he still doing this?
Staying in the league until you’re 38 requires more than just good genes, though having an Olympic triple-jump gold medalist for a father (Mike Conley Sr.) definitely doesn't hurt. It’s about adaptation.
Earlier in his career with the Memphis Grizzlies, Conley was known for his speed and that signature floater. Nowadays, he’s shifted his game to focus on elite three-point shooting and high-level playmaking. Honestly, his IQ is so high that he can outthink players who are ten years younger and twice as fast.
Longevity by the Numbers
- Draft Year: 2007 (4th overall pick)
- Career Minutes: Over 35,000 (and counting)
- Current Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
- Contract Status: Expiring UFA in 2026
The physical toll is real, though. This season, we’ve seen the Timberwolves being much more careful with his load. He’s been dealing with a bit of right Achilles tendinopathy recently, which is basically the NBA version of "I’m 38 and my body needs a minute." You’ll notice him sitting out the first half of back-to-backs or seeing his minutes capped around 18-20 per game.
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What Most People Get Wrong About His Career
People often look at his age and assume he’s just hanging on. That’s a mistake.
Last season (2024-25), Conley shot over 40% from three-point range. In a league where spacing is everything, a guy who can hit nearly half his shots from deep is worth his weight in gold, regardless of how many candles are on his birthday cake.
He’s also the king of the "quiet" impact. He holds the record for the most NBA Sportsmanship Awards (four of them!) and famously went years without ever being whistled for a technical foul. In a league filled with ego and trash talk, Conley is the guy who just puts his head down and wins.
The 2026 Retirement Question
Is this the end?
With his current contract with the Timberwolves set to expire after this 2025-26 season, the "R" word is coming up more often. Some analysts, like Austin Rivers, have suggested that Conley is weighing his options.
The drop-off in his scoring this year—averaging about 5 points per game—is the first real sign that Father Time might finally be catching up. He’s playing behind younger guys like Bones Hyland and Rob Dillingham now. It feels a bit like a passing of the torch.
But even if he decides to hang them up this summer, Conley’s 19-season run is nothing short of legendary. He’s earned nearly $300 million in his career and has the respect of every single person who has ever stepped on a hardwood floor with him.
Actionable Takeaway for Fans and Collectors
If you’re a basketball fan, don’t take these last few months for granted. Watching a 38-year-old point guard manipulate a defense is like watching a master class in physics.
- Watch the Minnesota back-to-backs: Check the injury reports before games. If the Wolves are playing two nights in a row, Conley will likely only play in one.
- Track the "Games Played" list: Conley is steadily climbing the all-time list for games played. Every game he suits up for now moves him further into the history books.
- Collect the "Veteran" cards: If you’re into sports cards, his 2025-26 "Veteran" inserts are becoming popular because they might just be his last.
Whether he signs a one-year "victory lap" deal for 2027 or decides to call it a career this June, Mike Conley has proven that age is just a data point. Being 38 in the NBA is hard. Making it look this easy is even harder.
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Keep an eye on the Timberwolves' rotation as the playoffs approach. Even at 38, Conley’s steady hand might be the difference between a first-round exit and a deep run for Minnesota.