Is Timberwolves’ Mike Conley Trade a Precursor to a Giannis Antetokounmpo Deal?

Trade Deadline Drama: The Conley Move

And so, we find ourselves at the heart of NBA trade deadline maneuvering. Minnesota Timberwolves fans are no strangers to this dance, but this particular move? It’s got a new spin.

You might think this is new, but… it’s not.

Mike Conley, 38 and still serving as a steadying presence on the floor despite his diminished role, is being jettisoned from the team. But why dump him now? Well, Giannis Antetokounmpo reportedly likes the idea of teaming up with Anthony Edwards in Minnesota, and the interest is mutual.

Now, this isn’t just about Conley; it’s a strategic shift towards acquiring the superstar.

The Timberwolves have opened up a roster spot and significantly lowered their payroll. They are now $2.5 million under the first apron, giving them more flexibility in trades. This move doesn’t directly improve Minnesota’s odds of landing Antetokounmpo but it gives the front office some breathing room.

The Antetokounmpo Gambit

But let’s talk about Giannis. The Greek Freak has reportedly been drawn to the idea of pairing up with Anthony Edwards in Minnesota, and mutual interest is there. However, acquiring Antetokounmpo isn’t an easy task for the Wolves.

They lack tradable draft picks.

That’s where the Conley trade comes into play. By freeing up salary cap space and reducing their luxury-tax bill from $24 million to a manageable $3.8 million, Minnesota is setting themselves up for bigger moves down the line. The deal doesn’t directly improve their odds of landing Antetokounmpo but it does give them more flexibility in future trades.

Minnesota has also been linked to James Harden, per ClutchPoints, and less famous playmakers too.

Another note: The Conley trade reduces their luxury-tax bill from $24 million to just $3.8 million. If they don’t end up making a splash before the deadline, then they will still have accomplished something here: saving ownership money. Yippee.

Expert Analysis

And let’s be real, everything is allowed in this game! The NBA trade deadline is an ever-evolving landscape where every move counts. But as Brian Windhorst might say, “Why would they do that?” Well, because when front offices are aggressively trying to acquire a superstar, there’s rarely room for sentimentality.

Conley’s departure doesn’t directly improve Minnesota’s odds of landing Antetokounmpo, but it gives the front office more flexibility.

The Wolves have opened up a roster spot and lowered their payroll significantly. They are now $2.5 million under the first apron, which means they can take back more salary than they send out in a trade (as long as they stay under the apron).

The NBA trade deadline is Thursday at 3 p.m. ET. The Wolves have also talked to the Los Angeles Clippers about James Harden, per ClutchPoints, and they’ve been linked to less famous playmakers too.

Conclusion

The Timberwolves’ move to trade Mike Conley might seem like a step in an uncertain direction, but it’s part of a larger strategy. It reduces their salary cap burden and opens up potential for bigger moves down the line. Whether this ends with Giannis Antetokounmpo or not, one thing is certain: Minnesota is making a statement.