The Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons, and Minnesota Timberwolves have agreed on a three-team deal ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
Who Moves Where
BULLS RECEIVE: Mike Conley Jr. and Jayden Ivey
PISTONS RECEIVE: Kevin Huerter, Dario Saric, 2026 first-round protected swap (Minnesota)
WOLVES RECEIVE: No one
Veteran guard Mike Conley Jr. was pivotal to the Wolves reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2024 and 2025. This season, though, his minutes have gone down considerably, and so has his production: 4.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. The 38-year-old, however, continues to be a steady and heady playmaker who could mentor the Bulls’ other guards, particularly Josh Giddey and Coby White.
Jaden Ivey, meanwhile, will be leaving Detroit after four seasons there. The young guard had a productive start to his time with the Pistons, averaging at least 15 points in each of his first three seasons. However, he missed the last 52 games of last season due to an injury and has been slowly working his way back. The former fifth overall pick was averaging only 8.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists for Detroit this season, but he could rediscover his form playing in a different environment.
Huerter, who was averaging 10.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists for the Bulls before the trade, adds size to the Pistons and gives Detroit another 3-and-D guy. Saric, meanwhile, is a playmaking four coming off an injury and could bring added depth and versatility to that Motor City frontline.
Minnesota Preparing for Giannis Antetokounmpo?
The Wolves agreeing to this trade without getting anyone in return seems weird at first glance. But according to an ESPN report, the Minny has bigger things in mind: trading for the Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo.
By trading the 38-year-old Conley and his $20 million contract, the Wolves dropped their luxury tax bill from $24 million to $3.8 million and moved under the first apron. These savings, in turn, could help the franchise land the 2021 NBA Finals MVP, who is widely regarded as the ultimate prize of this trading season.
Notably, multiple reports indicate that Minnesota, along with the Miami Heat, are Antetokounmpo’s top two preferred destinations. With this three-team deal with the Pistons and Bulls, it appears the Wolves are clearing the way to make a serious run at the Greek Freak.
And, should that happen, the Timberwolves could end up winning this swap even without getting anyone in return.
