The Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls, and Minnesota Timberwolves just pulled off a three-team trade that checks a lot of boxes for all sides-each with its own mix of risk, reward, and long-term implications. Let’s break down what went down, why it matters, and how each team comes out of it.
Bulls Take a Swing on Jaden Ivey and Add Veteran Stability with Mike Conley
What they got: Jaden Ivey, Mike Conley
What they gave up: Kevin Huerter, Dario Šarić
For the Bulls, this deal is about upside and optionality. Jaden Ivey might not have blossomed into the star Detroit hoped for when they drafted him, but he’s still just 24, and there’s enough in the tape to justify a gamble.
His third season showed real signs of growth-he was shooting 46% from the field and 40.9% from deep before a broken fibula cut things short after just 30 games. That kind of efficiency from a dynamic guard with his athleticism is hard to ignore.
This season’s been a struggle-he’s working his way back from a preseason knee injury and hasn’t looked like the same player, averaging just 8.2 points in limited action. But the shooting splits (45/37.2/78.9) suggest last year’s leap wasn’t a fluke. If he can rediscover that form, the Bulls may have landed a long-term piece without giving up a core asset.
The addition of Mike Conley brings a steady hand to the backcourt. Even if his best days are behind him, Conley’s leadership and experience will be valuable in a locker room that’s leaned heavily on young talent like Josh Giddey, Coby White, and Ayo Dosunmu.
Speaking of White and Dosunmu-both are headed for unrestricted free agency this summer. With Ivey now in the fold, the Bulls have more flexibility heading into the offseason.
They can afford to let one-or even both-walk if the price isn’t right.
Bottom line: This is a smart, low-risk move with real upside. If Ivey pops, they’ve got a future building block. If not, they didn’t mortgage anything significant to take the shot.
Grade: B+
Pistons Add Shooting and a Pick Swap, Move On from Ivey
What they got: Kevin Huerter, Dario Šarić, 2026 first-round pick swap (top-19 protected)
What they gave up: Jaden Ivey, Mike Conley
The Pistons are leading the East, but they’ve had a glaring weakness all season: outside shooting. They rank 21st in 3-point accuracy and 27th in volume. That’s a tough combo for a team trying to space the floor around Cade Cunningham and make a serious playoff run.
Enter Kevin Huerter. While he’s not exactly lighting it up this season (31.4% from deep on 5.1 attempts per game), his career numbers tell a different story.
He’s a 37.1% career shooter from beyond the arc, and in his first six seasons, he hit 38.2%. The hope is that playing off Cunningham’s playmaking will help him rediscover that rhythm.
Huerter’s a better shooter than he’s shown lately, and the Pistons are betting he can bounce back-because they desperately need him to.
Šarić adds some frontcourt depth and stretch ability, but he’s not expected to be a major piece. The real sweetener here is the pick swap with Minnesota.
It’s top-19 protected, and as things stand, the Wolves are slotted at 23 while the Pistons sit at 29. That’s a modest but meaningful jump if the standings hold.
Losing Ivey stings, especially considering the potential he flashed before the injuries. But this is a team built to win now.
They couldn’t afford to wait on Ivey’s development or risk a tricky restricted free agency negotiation this summer. Huerter gives them a chance to address a key need without sacrificing long-term flexibility-he’s an unrestricted free agent after the season, so this is essentially a rental with upside.
Grade: B-
Wolves Clear Cap Space, Gain Flexibility
What they got: Cash considerations
What they gave up: Mike Conley
This one’s all about positioning for Minnesota. By moving off Mike Conley’s $10.4 million salary and not taking back any significant contracts, the Wolves drop below the first-apron tax threshold. That’s a big deal for a team trying to stay competitive in the short term while keeping the door open for a major swing in the offseason.
They’re still in the luxury tax by about $4 million, but shedding Conley’s deal gives them breathing room when it comes to trade restrictions and roster flexibility. And while Conley’s veteran presence is valuable, his on-court impact has declined to the point where he’s become a non-factor. Bones Hyland has been more effective in his minutes, and the Wolves clearly felt comfortable moving forward without Conley in the rotation.
The other layer here? Minnesota is reportedly eyeing a run at Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer.
That’s a long shot, sure-but getting under the apron now makes them more nimble if the opportunity arises. If Giannis ever signals he wants to team up with Anthony Edwards, the Wolves want to be ready.
This move helps them get there.
Even if that dream doesn’t materialize, the Wolves still benefit from the financial flexibility and haven’t compromised their current roster strength.
Grade: B
Final Thoughts
This is the kind of trade that doesn’t make massive headlines but quietly reshapes the landscape for all three teams involved.
- The Bulls take a calculated risk on a young guard with upside and give themselves flexibility in the backcourt.
- The Pistons address a glaring need with a proven shooter and a small draft asset while shifting into win-now mode.
- The Wolves clear cap space and set the stage for a potentially franchise-altering summer.
Each front office had a clear goal. And while no one walks away with a slam-dunk win, all three teams made moves that align with their current trajectory-and that’s what smart roster-building is all about.