In a three-team trade on Tuesday, the Minnesota Timberwolves shipped Mike Conley to the Chicago Bulls. The Timberwolves did not receive a player in return, but they opened up their cap space to get ready for a better player.

Many think this is a setup for the Wolves to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, who recently requested a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks and has expressed interest in Minnesota. Getting rid of Conley also helps get Minnesota below the first apron, meaning they are in great shape with their money and salary. 

The Bulls also received Jaden Ivey from Detroit on top of Conley. The Pistons received Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric from Chicago and a 2026 first-round projected pick swap from the Timberwolves. 

The 38-year-old Conley had a consistent decline in his performance and was only shooting 33% from the field this season. As a precursor to the next move for the Wolves, Conley had to leave.

This is also helpful for the Bulls, as they get a young talent and a veteran experience, while the Pistons finally get a shooter to help out their team. 

This move was the correct move for the Timberwolves, as now they are in a better position to set themselves up for the future. They should still ship Rob Dillingham elsewhere, for he is not a good fit for Minnesota. 

Chris Finch, the Timberwolves’ coach, should leave with Dillingham because his coaching style does not fit the roster either. The Timberwolves should make a playoff push with how they are moving right now, and they are setting themselves up for a great future behind Anthony Edwards as their star player.

Other big NBA moves on Tuesday included James Harden going to the Cavaliers, Jaren Jackson to the Jazz, and Dennis Schröder to Chicago.