Bulls Land Jaden Ivey, Mike Conley Jr. in Three-Team Deal Ahead of Trade Deadline
With the NBA trade deadline just days away, the Chicago Bulls have made a notable move to shake up their backcourt. In a three-team deal involving the Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves, the Bulls have acquired guard Jaden Ivey and veteran point guard Mike Conley Jr., signaling a shift in both short-term strategy and long-term flexibility.
The Deal Breakdown
Chicago sends guard Kevin Huerter and forward Dario Šarić - whom they had only recently acquired - to the Pistons. Meanwhile, Minnesota walks away with a protected 2026 first-round pick. The Bulls, in turn, receive Ivey and Conley Jr., bolstering their guard rotation with a mix of youth and experience.
But this trade isn’t just about names - it’s about fit, upside, and financial maneuvering.
Jaden Ivey: A High-Upside Swing
Let’s start with Ivey. The 23-year-old guard was the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft out of Purdue, and while his time in Detroit has been uneven, the flashes of potential have been hard to miss.
Last season, he averaged 17.6 points per game while shooting a solid 40.9% from deep across 30 games. That kind of scoring punch, especially from the perimeter, is something the Bulls have sorely lacked at times.
However, Ivey’s journey hasn’t been without setbacks. A broken fibula derailed his momentum, and he’s been coming off the bench this season, averaging 8.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. The numbers might not jump off the page, but context matters - he’s still working his way back, and the Bulls are betting on his ceiling rather than his current box scores.
There’s also a local angle here. Ivey hails from South Bend, Indiana, just a couple hours from Chicago. While he’ll have to pick a new jersey number - his #23 from Detroit obviously isn’t an option in Bulls lore - the Midwest roots and fresh start could be just what he needs.
He’ll be a restricted free agent at season’s end, giving Chicago some control over his future. If he clicks, the Bulls can lock him in. If not, they maintain cap flexibility.
Mike Conley Jr.: Veteran Stability
Conley Jr. may not be the player he once was, but his value in a locker room - and on the floor in spurts - shouldn’t be overlooked. The 36-year-old has seen limited action this season with Minnesota, averaging just 4.4 points per game, but his leadership and steady hand could be a useful asset, especially for a team navigating a roster transition.
Whether Conley sees significant minutes or not, his presence alone could help stabilize a young backcourt that now includes Ivey, Coby White, and Ayo Dosunmu.
Cap Space & Trade Flexibility
Beyond the on-court implications, this move sets the Bulls up financially. According to salary cap expert Yossi Gozlan, the trade creates an $18 million trade exception for Chicago. More importantly, the Bulls are projected to have over $40 million in cap space heading into the offseason - a significant war chest for a franchise that’s been stuck in the middle for too long.
That kind of flexibility opens the door for bigger swings down the line - whether that’s through free agency or additional trades.
What’s Next?
The NBA trade deadline hits at 2 p.m. on Thursday, and this might not be the last move we see from Chicago. While rumors have linked the Bulls to superstar names, the front office seems focused on threading the needle: staying competitive while keeping one eye on the future.
Acquiring Ivey is a gamble, but it’s the kind of calculated risk that smart teams make. If he develops into the dynamic two-way guard many projected coming out of college, this could be a turning point for the Bulls.
For now, Chicago has added youth, experience, and financial flexibility - a rare trifecta in the modern NBA.