The Minnesota Timberwolves completed a three-team trade with the Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons on Tuesday, sending Mike Conley to Chicago and a protected 2026 first-round pick swap to Detroit without receiving any players back. The move was designed purely to clear cap space and luxury tax relief as Minnesota positions itself to pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo before Thursday's trade deadline.
The Minnesota Timberwolves pulled off a three-team trade Tuesday that signals they're serious about making a run at Giannis Antetokounmpo before Thursday's deadline.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo
MIN: 29.11
PTS: 28.29 (65.48%)
REB: 9.89
AS: 5.64
ST: 0.89
BL: 0.71
TO: 3.29
GM: 28
Minnesota joined forces with the Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons on a deal where they didn't bring back any players.
Instead, the Wolves sent veteran point guard Mike Conley's contract to Chicago and shipped a protected 2026 first-round pick swap to Detroit.
The move was all about one thing: creating the financial flexibility to chase the Greek Freak. The Timberwolves are positioning themselves to pursue the Milwaukee superstar. "Minnesota creates significant tax savings and roster space as they pursue a Milwaukee star this week," Charania wrote on X.
Credit Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix
Landing Antetokounmpo would be a franchise-altering move for Minnesota. Putting the two-time MVP alongside Anthony Edwards would give the Wolves one of the most electrifying tandems in basketball.
Moving Conley's $10.7 million expiring contract provides major relief for a Timberwolves team already deep in luxury tax territory.
The savings are even more significant because of how the tax works. The 38-year-old floor general still has value as a dependable veteran who can run an offense off the bench.
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