Did the Detroit Pistons play a role in helping the Timberwolves land Giannis Antetokounmpo? You sure can interpret it in that way. Per ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, Detroit got involved in a multi-team trade with Minnesota and Chicago, sending Jaden Ivey to the Bulls, and receiving Kevin Huerter, Dario Šarić, and a 2026 protected first-round pick from the Timberwolves.
Charania hilariously followed up his initial tweet by saying that Minnesota "creates significant tax savings and roster space as they pursue a Milwaukee star this week." Hmm, who could that star be? Kyle Kuzma? Jericho Sims?
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
The Timberwolves weren't one of the initial teams listed as a top destination for Antetokounmpo, but Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported last week that the 31-year-old star is interested in teaming up with Anthony Edwards. Earlier today, Marc Stein said that not only does Giannis "appear" to prefer a trade to Minnesota or Miami, but the insider also reiterated Antetokounmpo's admiration for Edwards.
Detroit never positioned itself to be in the running for Antetokounmpo, making the Pistons' best-case scenario helping him get out of their division and out of the East entirely.
Pistons might've just played a role in helping Timberwolves get Giannis
This time last week, everyone thought that if the Bucks traded Giannis, he'd go to the Heat, Knicks, or the Warriors.
Between those three teams, Miami and Golden State could make the best offer. Although the Warriors are desperate to land Giannis, Stein reported on Monday evening that the star "could be turned off by the idea of joining an older team and/or facing the sort of criticism that Kevin Durant continues to absorb to this day about teaming up with Curry."
It feels like it's coming down to the Timberwolves and the Heat, with the former having more of an edge now after their trade with the Pistons and Bulls.
Tim Connelly, Minnesota's president, has been aggressive since he first joined the organization in 2022. He had probably already been thinking of ways to get Giannis before learning that he is in favor of playing alongside Edwards. He's showing why fans of other teams in the running for Antetokounmpo shouldn't have counted out the Timberwolves, even with their lack of assets. They'll find a way to make something happen.
If a trade to Minnesota does happen, Detroit can find peace in knowing he isn't going to Miami or New York.