The Pistons have been a major surprise at the top of the East, and ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline, they made a move to improve one of their weaknesses. It goes down as a three-team trade between the Pistons, Bulls and Timberwolves, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The Pistons landed Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric from the Bulls. The Bulls get Pistons guard Jaden Ivey and Wolves guard Mike Conley. Detroit also gets a 2026 first-round protected pick swap from Minnesota in the trade. It’s relatively minor compared to other ones, but it is an interesting move.
Detroit is 36-12 atop the East and look like real contenders, but it’s struggled shooting the ball this season. Huerter addresses that need as a career 37.1% 3-point shooter, though he’s at just 31.4% from 3 this season. Huerter is also a bit redundant with Duncan Robinson already on the Pistons. Saric was acquired from the Kings recently but is now re-routed to Detroit.
The Bulls get a couple interesting pieces in Conley and Ivey. Conley, 38, is a steady presence and veteran. Ivey, 23, looked like he was ascending last season before an injury cut his year short. He’s struggled this year amid a crowded Pistons roster and now gets a chance to push reset with the Bulls.
The Timberwolves free up cap space and a roster spot in the deal. They’ve been connected to Giannis Antetokounmpo in trade rumors, so they could be gearing up to make a big deal. It all remains to be seen ahead of the 3 p.m. Thursday trade deadline.