The Chicago Bulls acquired guard Jaden Ivey from the Detroit Pistons and veteran guard Mike Conley Jr. from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a three-team trade announced Tuesday, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
In return, the Bulls sent guards Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric to Detroit. The Pistons also received a 2026 first-round protected pick swap from Minnesota in the deal. The Timberwolves did not receive any players, instead gaining financial flexibility and an open roster spot.
All four players involved in the trade are on expiring contracts.
The Acquisition: Jaden Ivey
Ivey, 23, was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft out of Purdue. He has appeared in 33 games this season for Detroit after missing the start of the year following arthroscopic knee surgery in October. The 6-foot-4 guard is averaging 8.2 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 16.8 minutes per game.
Last season, Ivey posted a career-high 17.6 points per game before breaking his left fibula in January. His role diminished significantly this year as Detroit emerged as an Eastern Conference contender with a 36-12 record.
The Bulls will have the remainder of the season to evaluate Ivey before he becomes a restricted free agent this summer, giving Chicago an opportunity to sign him to a team-friendly deal if he fits their long-term plans.
Mike Conley Jr. Adds Veteran Presence
Conley, 38, is in his 19th NBA season and fourth with Minnesota. The one-time All-Star has appeared in 44 games this season, averaging career lows of 4.4 points, 2.9 assists and 1.8 rebounds per contest. He started nine of those games for the Timberwolves.
Over his career, Conley has averaged 13.7 points, 5.6 assists, 2.9 rebounds, 1.6 three-pointers and 1.3 steals in 1,216 games. His expiring $10.8 million contract provides Chicago with roster flexibility heading into the offseason.
Players Sent Out
Huerter, 27, was averaging 10.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists in his time with Chicago this season while shooting 45.5% from the field and 31.4% from three-point range. The eight-year veteran has a career scoring average of 11.6 points per game with previous stops in Atlanta and Sacramento.
Saric, 31, appeared in just five games with Sacramento before being acquired by Chicago on Sunday in a three-team deal that sent Dennis Schroder to Cleveland. The veteran forward did not appear in a game for the Bulls before being moved again. In those five games with the Kings, he averaged 1.0 point and 1.2 rebounds.
Financial Implications
According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, the trade creates an $18.0 million trade exception for the Bulls, who can absorb Ivey into their unused mid-level exception. This maintains significant financial flexibility for Chicago to continue making moves before Thursday's 3 p.m. ET trade deadline.
For Minnesota, the deal provides substantial financial relief. The Timberwolves are now under the first apron, and their luxury tax bill dropped from $24 million to $3.8 million. These savings could prove critical as Minnesota reportedly pursues Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo ahead of the deadline.
Detroit adds rotation depth and shooting in Huerter while maintaining their position atop the Eastern Conference standings.
Bulls Remain Active
According to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Sports Network, the Bulls remain active on the guard market despite acquiring two backcourt players in the deal. Chicago's front office is expected to continue exploring trades before Thursday's deadline.
This marks the Bulls' second trade in three days. On Sunday, Chicago facilitated a three-team deal between Sacramento and Cleveland, receiving two future second-round picks for taking on Saric's expiring contract. The organization immediately flipped Saric in Tuesday's trade.
The Bulls' active approach to the deadline has shifted the team's direction as they evaluate their roster construction heading into the second half of the season. With multiple expiring contracts and newfound financial flexibility, Chicago appears positioned to make additional moves in the coming days.