The Timberwolves might be on to something.
On Tuesday, Minnesota agreed to a deal involving Jaden Ivey and Mike Conley Jr. to the Bulls and Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric were sent to the Pistons.
The Wolves gave the Pistons a protected first-round pick swap in 2026 while receiving no players or picks in the deal.
So why did they give a choice for nothing in return? Basically, salary cap relief as they pursue the biggest fish on the market, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The move reduced their payroll by $10.7 million and allowed for $20.2 million in luxury tax savings, making it easier to stomach Antetokounmpo’s $54.1 million salary.
Crucially, getting rid of Conley’s money put them under the first apron, meaning they wouldn’t have to match salaries in a potential Antetokounmpo deal.
Those in the know seem to believe Minnesota is pulling out all the stops for Antetokounmpo.
ESPN insider Shams Charania suggested the deal was related to their Antetokounmpo pursuit, writing that the trade “creates significant tax savings and roster space as [the Wolves] chase a Milwaukee star this week.
Earlier this week, Brian Windhorst said the Wolves were “the most aggressive team in the West” and “in the game for” Antetokounmpo.
NBA insider Jake Fischer reports this Tuesday said that “Minnesota is still actively pursuing” the Bucks star.
The Wolves are currently fifth in the Western Conference at 31-20 heading into Tuesday’s game.
Minnesota fell short in the West Finals the past two seasons.
The Knicks, Warriors, Bulls and Heat, among others, are also rumored to be pursuing Antetokounmpo ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline.
The two-time NBA MVP is currently sidelined with a calf injury and is expected to be sidelined for at least a few more weeks.
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