Sports

Timberwolves trade Mike Conley to Bulls in three-team deal

mike conley shooting a layup
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) shoots past San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Saturday, Jan. 17.
Eric Gay | AP

The Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons got deeper Tuesday by agreeing to acquire Kevin Huerter from the Chicago Bulls as the centerpiece of a four-player, three-team deal, two people with knowledge of the trade told The Associated Press.

The Pistons got Huerter and Dario Saric — who was just acquired over the weekend by Chicago — from the Bulls. Chicago landed Mike Conley Jr. from Minnesota and Jaden Ivey from the Pistons, said the people, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the trade was still pending league approval.

ESPN first reported the agreement.

Conley's departure from Minnesota would come with one benefit for the Timberwolves — their tax bill. Facing an estimated $24 million bill entering Tuesday, the Conley move dropped the anticipated total to somewhere around $4 million and got them below the first apron.

That could open the door to other moves for Minnesota, which has been mentioned as one of the teams in pursuit of Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Huerter is averaging nearly 11 points this season and is set to become a free agent this summer.