The Minnesota Timberwolves made headlines Tuesday afternoon with a three-team trade involving the Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons, sending veteran point guard Mike Conley to Chicago. While the move didn’t bring a player back to Minnesota, it wasn’t about adding talent-it was about clearing the books. The deal, according to league insiders, significantly reduces the Wolves’ luxury tax bill, giving them more flexibility as the trade deadline looms.
But this wasn’t just a cap-clearing move for the sake of saving money. There’s a bigger picture starting to come into focus-and it involves some serious star power.
According to multiple league sources, Minnesota remains in active pursuit of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. That’s right-the Timberwolves are reportedly eyeing a blockbuster move that would pair the Greek Freak with rising superstar Anthony Edwards. That kind of one-two punch would instantly reshape the Western Conference landscape.
There’s also been chatter-though less concrete-about potential interest in Ja Morant, raising the possibility that Minnesota is exploring multiple avenues to land a franchise-altering talent. Whether it’s Giannis, Ja, or even the long shot of both, the Timberwolves are clearly operating with big ambitions.
In the short term, the financial mechanics of the Conley deal are telling. Reports indicate Minnesota received cash considerations in the trade, which also involved the swapping of Kevin Huerter and Jaden Ivey. While those players aren’t landing in Minnesota, the move helped the Wolves streamline their cap sheet and possibly stockpile assets or flexibility for a bigger swing.
If Minnesota is serious about acquiring someone like Antetokounmpo, it’s going to take more than just cap space. The Bucks would demand a king’s ransom in return-likely multiple key players and draft picks. That raises the question: how much of their current core would the Timberwolves be willing to part with to bring Giannis to the Twin Cities?
Anthony Edwards is untouchable-that much seems certain. But beyond that, everyone could be in play if it means landing a player of Giannis’ caliber. Pairing those two would give Minnesota a legitimate shot at contending for a title, something the franchise hasn’t seriously sniffed since the Kevin Garnett era.
And timing matters. The NBA trade deadline hits Thursday afternoon, so whatever Minnesota is planning, the clock is ticking.
For now, their next test comes on the court Wednesday night against the Toronto Raptors. But all eyes are off the court, where the Timberwolves may be gearing up for one of the boldest moves in franchise history.