The Timberwolves might be up to something.
On Tuesday, Minnesota inserted themselves in a deal that sent Jaden Ivey and Mike Conley Jr. to the Bulls and Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric to the Pistons.
The Wolves gave the Pistons a 2026 first-round protected pick swap while receiving no players or picks in the deal.
So why did they give up a pick for nothing in return? In short, salary cap relief as they pursue the biggest fish on the market, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The move dropped their payroll by $10.7 million and opened up $20.2 million in luxury tax savings, making it easier to stomach Antetokounmpo’s $54.1 million salary.
Crucially, getting off Conley’s money brought them below the first apron, meaning they don’t have to match salaries in a potential Antetokounmpo deal.
Those in the know appear to believe Minnesota is going all out for Antetokounmpo.
ESPN insider Shams Charania implied that the deal had to do with their Antetokounmpo pursuit, writing that the trade “creates significant tax savings and roster space as [the Wolves] pursue 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 reported Tuesday that “Minnesota very much remains in active pursuit of” the Bucks star.
The Wolves are currently fifth in the Western Conference at 31-20 heading into Tuesday’s play.
Minnesota has fallen short in the West Finals in each of the past two seasons.
The Knicks, Warriors, Bulls and Heat, among other teams, are also rumored to be pursuing Antetokounmpo before Thursday’s trade deadline.
The two-time NBA MVP is currently sidelined with a calf injury and is expected to miss at least a few more weeks.
