Just days after steamrolling the Thunder for the second time in three meetings this season, the Minnesota Timberwolves are making moves that suggest they’re not just content with being a top-tier Western Conference team - they’re aiming to shake up the entire playoff picture.
On Tuesday, Minnesota dealt veteran point guard Mike Conley to the Chicago Bulls in a three-team trade that also involved the Detroit Pistons. Along with Conley, the Wolves sent a protected 2026 first-round pick swap to Detroit.
On the surface, it’s a relatively quiet transaction. But make no mistake: this is a calculated move with major implications.
By moving Conley, the Wolves cleared enough salary to drop $2.5 million under the first tax apron. That detail matters - a lot. It gives Minnesota the financial flexibility to take on more salary than they send out in a potential trade, and that’s where things get really interesting.
The Giannis Watch Begins
This cap maneuvering has sparked buzz around the league, with many seeing it as a setup for a blockbuster pursuit of Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo. While nothing is imminent, the possibility of the Timberwolves landing a generational talent like Giannis is suddenly not just a pipe dream - it’s within the realm of possibility.
And if it happens? That’s a nightmare scenario for Oklahoma City.
The Thunder, currently one of the West’s top contenders, have built their success on internal development, smart drafting, and a deep, balanced roster. But adding Giannis to a Wolves team that already features Anthony Edwards - who’s blossomed into one of the league’s brightest young stars - would completely shift the balance of power.
Minnesota has already proven it can go toe-to-toe with the league’s best. But a pairing of Edwards and Antetokounmpo, with Julius Randle potentially slotting in as a third option, would launch them into “superteam” territory.
That trio alone could rival any offensive unit in the league, especially considering the Wolves were the NBA’s highest-scoring team in January. The thought of Giannis running the floor alongside Edwards in transition?
That’s a matchup nightmare waiting to happen.
The Cost of Going All-In
Of course, bringing in a player of Giannis’ caliber would come at a steep price. Minnesota’s draft capital is limited, which means any serious offer would have to be centered around current players. That could gut the Wolves’ depth - a strength that’s helped them weather tough stretches and stay near the top of the standings.
There’s also the matter of roster balance. With Conley gone, Minnesota is already light at the point guard spot.
Adding a high-usage forward like Giannis without a clear floor general could create some challenges in terms of ball movement and late-game execution. If the Wolves are still eyeing another ball handler, a Giannis trade could complicate that pursuit.
Thunder Staying the Course - For Now
Meanwhile, the Thunder are playing it cool. They’ve stayed quiet amid the trade deadline noise, opting not to chase flashy names or force a deal. That’s not to say they’re standing pat out of complacency - it’s more about trusting their process and the roster they’ve built.
And so far, that approach is working. Oklahoma City remains a legitimate force in the West, with a deep, versatile lineup and one of the best young cores in the league. The Wolves may be making headlines, but the Thunder are still the team everyone’s trying to catch.
That said, if Minnesota pulls off a Giannis trade - and somehow manages to keep enough depth to stay competitive - the Thunder’s path to a Finals berth gets a whole lot more complicated.
For now, it’s a waiting game. The Wolves have made their first move. The question is whether it’s the opening act of something much bigger - and whether the Thunder will be forced to respond.