The NBA trade market is heating up ahead of Thursday’s deadline, and we’ve got a three-team deal that’s already shaking things up across the Central and Western Conferences. The Pistons, Bulls, and Timberwolves have agreed to a multi-player swap that not only reshuffles rosters but also hints at bigger moves still to come.
Let’s break it down.
Jaden Ivey Heads to Chicago
The biggest name in the deal is Jaden Ivey, who’s heading to the Bulls after three seasons in Detroit. The former No. 5 overall pick from the 2022 draft is just 23 and still oozes potential, but his time with the Pistons had clearly run its course.
After a promising start to his career-averaging 16.1 points and 4.4 assists over 181 games-Ivey’s trajectory was derailed by a broken leg that ended his 2024-25 season early. A knee issue delayed his return this year, and when he did get back on the court, his role was limited.
This season, Ivey’s numbers dipped to 8.2 points in just under 17 minutes per game across 33 appearances, with only two starts. Not exactly the kind of usage you expect for a top-five pick. With restricted free agency looming this summer, Detroit decided to move on rather than commit long-term.
For Chicago, this is a bet on upside. Ivey joins a crowded backcourt that already includes Josh Giddey, Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Tre Jones.
Giddey is widely seen as a cornerstone, but Ivey’s arrival could signal more movement on the horizon. The Bulls now hold his Bird rights, giving them the flexibility to keep him in the fold beyond this season if he clicks with their system.
Detroit Adds Shooting with Huerter, Flexibility with Saric
In return, the Pistons are getting Kevin Huerter and Dario Šarić from Chicago. Let’s start with Huerter.
Detroit has been excellent this season, sitting at 36-12, but their three-point shooting has been a glaring weakness. They rank 27th in threes made per game and 21st in percentage-numbers that just don’t cut it in today’s NBA.
Huerter hasn’t exactly been lighting it up this season (31.4% from deep), but he’s a career 37.5% shooter and has a track record of bouncing back after slow starts. He gives Detroit a proven floor-spacer, and if he finds his rhythm, he could be a valuable piece for a team with postseason aspirations.
As for Šarić, he’s more of a question mark. The veteran forward has only played in 21 games since the start of last season, and it’s unclear if Detroit sees him as part of their rotation or if he’s just salary ballast. Either way, the Pistons will need to make a roster move to accommodate the incoming players.
Detroit also picks up a protected 2026 first-round pick swap from Minnesota. It’s not a headline asset, but it could allow them to move up a few spots in the draft. If the season ended today, that swap would let the Pistons move from No. 29 to No. 23-small, but potentially meaningful in a deep draft.
Minnesota Clears Cap Space, Creates Flexibility
For the Timberwolves, this move is all about financial flexibility. They’re sending out veteran point guard Mike Conley and his $10.8 million expiring contract to the Bulls. Conley’s been a steady hand for Minnesota, but with the team operating more than $8 million over the first tax apron and facing a $24 million tax bill, something had to give.
This trade brings them about $2.5 million under the first apron and slashes their projected tax hit to just $3.8 million. That’s a significant savings-and it comes with a $10.8 million trade exception that could be used to add another piece before the deadline.
Whether Minnesota uses that flexibility to chase a big name or simply positions itself to duck the tax entirely remains to be seen. But the move gives them options, and in a tight Western Conference race, that could prove valuable.
As for what Minnesota is getting back in the deal? It’s reportedly a minor asset-likely cash or a heavily protected second-round pick. The real prize here is the cap relief and the trade exception.
Cap Mechanics at Work
From a salary cap perspective, this deal is a masterclass in maneuvering. Detroit uses Ivey’s $10.1 million salary to offset Huerter’s $18 million expiring deal and absorbs Šarić’s $5.4 million contract using part of a $14 million trade exception. Chicago, meanwhile, can create an $18 million trade exception by using Šarić to match Conley’s salary and slotting Ivey’s deal into their unused mid-level exception.
These are the kinds of moves that don’t always make headlines but can pay dividends down the line when teams need flexibility to make a splash.
Bottom Line:
- Chicago rolls the dice on a high-upside guard in Ivey, potentially reshaping their backcourt.
- Detroit adds shooting help and a draft asset, while moving on from a player who no longer fit their timeline.
- Minnesota trims salary, creates a valuable trade exception, and positions itself for a quieter-or sneakily impactful-deadline.
This deal might not feature an All-Star, but it’s the kind of trade that sets the stage for bigger things to come. And with the deadline just days away, don’t be surprised if this is just the first domino to fall.