TORONTO — A little more than 48 hours out from the NBA’s trade deadline, the Timberwolves made their first move in what could be a blockbuster deadline for the organization. This deal might leave fans shaking their heads, however.
Or, if nothing else comes down the pike, the move could end up being a cost-cutting measure.
The Wolves dealt veteran guard Mike Conley to Chicago on Tuesday, Feb. 3 as part of a three-team trade with the Bulls and Detroit Pistons, and they sent out a pick swap this year to the Pistons.
In the other parts of the trade, Jaden Ivey heads to Chicago from Detroit while Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric head to the Pistons.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks reported the trade drops the Wolves’ luxury tax bill from $24 million this season to $3.8 million. The move puts the Wolves under the first apron of the salary-cap by $2.4 million and just over the luxury tax line by $3.8 million.
Conley was making $10.8 million this season. The move also opens a roster spot the Wolves could use in another deal.
The Wolves have been pursuing Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo before the deadline, which is Thursday, Feb. 5, and have been reported to be among the most aggressive teams wheeling and dealing to entice the Bucks into a deal.
In such a deal, the Wolves will have to send out important players on their roster now in order to recoup the draft compensation the Bucks desire in such a deal. It also helps to have roster flexibility to take back other players in a deal.
