The Minnesota Timberwolves trading Mike Conley (and a pick swap) for no players in return might seem like an eyebrow raiser at first glance. Yes, getting rid of Conley makes sense as the veteran point guard has been unable to contribute meaningful minutes this season. However, when you dig a bit deeper, it's clear why the Wolves made this move: Minnesota cut its raw payroll by $10.7 million and opened up $20.2 million in luxury tax savings.
Minnesota will see their luxury tax bill drop from $24M to $3.8M.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) February 3, 2026
They are now under the first apron and $3.8M above the tax.
This is significant because the Wolves are no longer a first-tax apron team. The Wolves' pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo has been well-documented. Despite the Wolves clearly being in the mix for Giannis, I have long been skeptical of this idea given the Wolves' lack of cap space and draft capital.
While their limited draft capital remains an issue, this trade solved their lack of cap space. Since the Timberwolves are no longer a first-tax apron team, they don't have to match salaries anymore. In Giannis trade talks, this is a big advantage. As noted, I've also been skeptical about the possibility of a move for Antetokounmpo, but the Wolves must be taken seriously as a suitor for Giannis after this move.
A Giannis trade becomes more realistic after moving off of Conley
Brian Windhorst even mentioned that the Wolves could have gotten Coby White back in the Conley trade. However, they did this with the idea of trading for Giannis in mind.
. @WindhorstESPN says the Timberwolves could have gotten Coby White in this deal if they wanted too. Says they are trying to get Giannis.
— The Daily Wolves (@TheDailyWolves) February 3, 2026
Via: ESPN NBA Today
Taking on Giannis' $54.1 million is now all the more easier without the need to outright match salaries. In addition to this, the Wolves can now take on more salaries, which is especially key with their newly opened roster spot. The idea of a three-team deal with the Portland Trail Blazers has been tossed around since Portland owns the majority of Milwaukee's picks.
Now, the Wolves could feasibly reunite Giannis with his long-time running mate, Jrue Holiday. This would be vital as the Wolves desperately need a point guard, even with a Giannis trade. Conversely, the Wolves could look to take on another contract from the Bucks.
In any event, trading for Giannis would still require a significant roster overhaul for the Wolves. The idea of an Anthony Edwards-Giannis pairing could be too good to pass up on, though. Undoubtedly, this would be the best duo in the league and perhaps the best duo in the league since Steph Curry and Kevin Durant.
Again, I've always been apprehensive about the possibility of a Giannis trade, but trading Mike Conley clearly makes the Wolves' path to landing the two-time MVP easier. Whatever the case might be, Tim Connelly has another move up his sleeve, and he could even pull off his biggest magic trick yet.