NBA Trade Deadline Fallout: Conley Waived, Celtics Cut Costs, Bulls Clear Cap Room
The NBA trade deadline always brings a flurry of movement, but some of the most interesting storylines happen after the buzzer sounds. This year, a few key post-deadline maneuvers are already shaping rosters and cap sheets across the league. Let’s break down three notable developments involving the Hornets, Celtics, and Bulls-and why they matter.
Hornets Waive Mike Conley After Brief Stopover
Mike Conley’s whirlwind week came to an expected conclusion, as the Hornets officially waived the veteran point guard just days after acquiring him in a multi-team deal. Conley, 38, was rerouted to Charlotte after a trade that originally sent him to Chicago as part of a three-team package involving Detroit.
This move was never about basketball. Charlotte brought Conley in as a transaction piece, not a rotation player. Now, with the waiver process underway, he’ll be free to sign with any team-except the Bulls.
One team to watch? The Timberwolves.
There’s been chatter about a possible reunion, and from a roster standpoint, it makes sense. Minnesota just added Ayo Dosunmu but still has two open spots.
If there's mutual interest, the door is open.
Conley’s production this season was modest-he averaged 4.4 points and 1.8 assists in 18.5 minutes per game, shooting just 32.2% from the field. For the first time in his career, he was coming off the bench in Minnesota, taking on more of a veteran leadership role than a lead guard’s workload. But his experience, poise, and locker room presence still carry value-especially for a playoff contender looking for depth and stability in the backcourt.
Celtics Move Tillman, Slide Under the Tax Line
Boston made one more move after the trade deadline buzzer, and while it might not impact the court much, it could have major implications off it.
The Celtics agreed to send center Xavier Tillman Sr. and $3.5 million in cash to the Hornets. Tillman only played in 14 games this season, averaging 2.2 points in under eight minutes per night.
From Charlotte’s perspective, this is likely a financial play-they may not hold onto Tillman long-term, but the cash more than covers his remaining salary. Essentially, it’s free money.
For Boston, though, this was a cap-clearing chess move. After spending the offseason navigating the second apron and trimming salary around the edges-deals involving Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Georges Niang come to mind-the Celtics have now dropped below the luxury tax line entirely.
Cap expert Yossi Gozlan reports that Boston now sits roughly $842,000 under the tax threshold, with just 12 players on standard contracts. That gives them flexibility, especially with the rule allowing teams to carry fewer than 14 players for short stretches.
Keep an eye on two-way guard Max Shulga. He’s a likely candidate for a promotion down the line, and because he’d count at the rookie minimum for tax purposes, he fits the financial puzzle nicely.
Bottom line: The Celtics just bought themselves some breathing room, both financially and roster-wise, without giving up anything of real on-court value.
Yabusele’s Opt-Out Helps Bulls and Knicks
Before Guerschon Yabusele officially landed in Chicago, he played a crucial behind-the-scenes role in facilitating multiple trades. As part of his move from the Knicks to the Bulls, Yabusele declined his $5.78 million player option for the 2026-27 season-a decision that had ripple effects across the league.
That option had been a sticking point in trade talks, especially with Yabusele enduring a down year. By opting out, he cleared a path for the Bulls to take him on and opened the door for the Knicks to finalize their deal for Jose Alvarado.
It’s a savvy move all around. Yabusele now positions himself for unrestricted free agency this summer, and there’s already buzz that he could return to Europe. Several EuroLeague teams are reportedly monitoring his situation, including Hapoel Tel Aviv.
From Chicago’s perspective, the cap implications are significant. With Yabusele’s option off the books, the Bulls gain extra financial flexibility for 2026. The player they moved, Dalen Terry, was headed for restricted free agency-so Chicago essentially swapped a future cap commitment for short-term flexibility.
What It All Means
These are the kinds of moves that don’t make headlines but can shape a season-or even a summer. For Charlotte, it’s about collecting assets and staying nimble.
For Boston, it’s a masterclass in cap management. And for Chicago, it’s a step toward a more flexible financial future.
The trade deadline may be over, but the ripple effects are just beginning.