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HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 16: Mike Conley #10 of the Minnesota Timberwolves walks to the locker room for half time during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on January 16, 2026 in Houston, Texas. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been looked at as a team that could potentially make a big trade at the deadline. Right now, the Timberwolves sit fifth in the Western Conference standings. In order to secure their playoff standing, they knew they had to make a trade.
Minnesota has been mentioned as a team that is interested in Giannis Antetokounmpo. In order to do that, the Timberwolves have to create some cap space. Antetokounmpo won’t sign off on a trade to another team unless he is willing to sign a contract extension with that team.
With that in mind, Minnesota has executed a three-team trade that helps them move closer to their goal of adding Antetokounmpo before the deadline passes.
GettyMilwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo grabs the ball. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Timberwolves Create Cap Space to Potentially Trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo
According to Shams Charania, Minnesota has executed a three-team trade with the Pistons and the Bulls. The Bulls receive Jaden Ivey and Mike Conley Jr., the Pistons receive Kevin Huerter, Dario Saric, and a first-round pick swap from Minnesota.
The Timberwolves don’t get anything in return in this trade, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t benefit. Shedding Conley’s salary helps them clear space to try to bring in Antetokounmpo, and Charania made that clear on social media, as well.
Bulls and Pistons have desires met here in a young and veteran guards to Chicago and a sharpshooter goes to Detroit. Minnesota creates significant tax savings and roster space as they pursue a Milwaukee star this week. https://t.co/u9FiTn4wTD
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2026
It looks like Minnesota is now one of the favorites to bring in Antetokounmpo. The Warriors have been seen as the team that can offer them the most, but perhaps that isn’t the case. A massive trade for Antetokounmpo would shift the balance of power in the West.
Antetokounmpo is currently injured. He won’t be ready to go until the end of February, at the earliest. Minnesota would have to find a way to win games until then, which is something they have been able to do. The Bucks will want a good player in return for Antetokounmpo, too.
GettyMilwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo shoots the ball. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Timberwolves are Making a Real Push for Giannis Antetokounmpo
Minnesota doesn’t have a long history of making massive in-season trades. They prefer to build their roster with offseason trades and through the draft. Bringing in Antetokounmpo would qualify as the biggest trade in franchise history. That is clearly what the plan is.
Of course, landing Antetokounmpo is not guaranteed at this point. The Warriors and Cavaliers have emerged as suitors for Antetokounmpo, as well. The Timberwolves might have to pivot and make another trade if they aren’t able to bring in Antetokounmpo.
Right now, the Wolves have the ninth-best defense in the NBA. Adding Antetokounmpo in the frontcourt would certainly help them in that regard. They would suddenly rival the Thunder as the best defensive team in the league with Rudy Gobert manning the middle alongside Antetokounmpo.
The Timberwolves have a couple more days to make sure they get another deal done. Conley Jr. is a beloved player in the locker room, and they wouldn’t have traded im without a good reason.