Timberwolves Trade Veteran Point Guard and Pick Swap

By Ted Schwerzler |

Updated: Feb 3, 2026

Mike Conley, Minnesota Timberwolves — Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

There has been an incredible amount of smoke billowing out of the Target Center in recent days, as the February 5 NBA trade deadline creeps closer. At 31-20, the Wolves are currently sit in 5th place of the Western Conference standings.

Minnesota’s biggest problem for a couple of years now, when negotiating with other teams in trade talks or combing the free agent landscape, has been first and second apron luxury tax restrictions.

Because the Timberwolves’ roster is so expensive, president of basketball operations Tim Connelly has had his hands tied behind his back pretty much since he signed Julius Randle, Naz Reid and Rudy Gobert to contract extensions over the past two offseasons.

Mike Conley shipped out by Minnesota Timberwolves

But that all changed on Tuesday when the Wolves shipped 38-year-old point guard Mike Conley to the Chicago Bulls and a 2026 first round pick swap to the Detroit Pistons, in exchange for taking on Conley’s salary.

Not only does the move open up a roster spot for a bigger move in the near future, but it also dips Minnesota under the first apron luxury tax, making whatever that pending move is… much more feasible (more on that below).

Bulls and Pistons have desires met here in a young and veteran guards to Chicago and a sharpshooter goes to Detroit. Minnesota creates significant tax savings and roster space as they pursue a Milwaukee star this week. https://t.co/u9FiTn4wTD
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2026

Across 44 games this season he had averaged just 4.4 points per game in a career-low 18.5 minutes. He is a very likely buyout candidate in Chicago, where they now have a plethora of ball-handling options, and no plans to win.

Meanwhile, Minnesota’s purpose in the deal was not to care about a pick swap, but to instead work in more cap flexibility. According to NBA cap guru Bobby Marks (ESPN), this deal does just that.

MN Timberwolves dip below the apron

Shedding Conley’s contract pushes the Timberwolves underneath the first apron of the luxury tax. Shams then went on to make it very clear that this deal is to make help Connelly in his pursuit of Giannis.

Minnesota will see their luxury tax bill drop from $24M to $3.8M.

They are now under the first apron and $3.8M above the tax.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) February 3, 2026

According to @ShamsCharania, the Mike Conley trade gives Minnesota more flexibility in their pursuit of Giannis.

"We know who the Minnesota Timberwolves are pursuing this week, Giannis Antetokounmpo. This deal gives the Wolves even more tax savings, a little bit more… pic.twitter.com/q4K9pgeWKO
— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) February 3, 2026

The Minnesota Timberwolves have dabbled in the first and second apron situations the past couple of seasons. Having that significant of a salary cap situation makes it different to add additional talent. Moving Conley changes things substantially.

The Greek Freak is a two-time MVP, former Defensive Player of the Year winner, and chasing his second ring. He is averaging 28 points, 10 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game this season.

Big game hunting has been part of the Minnesota Timberwolves, since Tim Connelly took over. They landed Gobert, swung a massive deal involving Karl-Anthony Towns, and they’ve been linked to multiple superstars since.