In a move involving four players on expiring contracts, the Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons, and Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly pulled off a three-team trade on Tuesday, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Headed to the Bulls are Jaden Ivey and Mike Conley Jr.

Headed to the Pistons are Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric.

The main motive for Minnesota here was seemingly to diminish their luxury tax bill. The Wolves just shrank their tax bill from $24M down to $3.8M and are now under the first apron, per ESPN’s Bobby Marks.

Ivey has experienced a dip in production this season with the Pistons, averaging 8.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists across 33 games while shooting 45% from the field. His minutes have dropped to 16.8 per game, reflecting a reduced role after recovering from a broken fibula that sidelined him for much of the prior year. Over his career, the 2022 fifth overall pick has shown flashes of athletic scoring potential, posting 16.3 points as a rookie and peaking at 17.6 in 2024-25 before the injury.

Conley, 38, has continued his veteran presence for the Minnesota Timberwolves, but his output has waned in 2025-26 with 4.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 44 appearances, logging 18.5 minutes nightly and struggling at 32.2% shooting. Drafted fourth overall in 2007 by Memphis, Conley has built a steady career averaging 13.7 points and 5.6 assists over 1,216 games, earning one All-Star nod and known for reliable playmaking.

Huerter is posting 10.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists this season, with 45.5% field goal accuracy in limited action amid a back issue. His sharpshooting remains a asset, though consistency varies. Selected 19th in 2018 by Atlanta, Huerter has carved out a role as a perimeter threat, averaging double-digit scoring in most seasons.

Saric’s 2025-26 has been minimal following a January trade to Chicago from Sacramento, where he averaged just 1.0 point and 1.2 rebounds in five early games at 8.2 minutes. The 31-year-old Croatian, drafted 12th in 2014, has bounced between teams like Phoenix, Golden State, and Denver, compiling career marks of 10.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in 498 contests, valued for versatile forward play despite recent bench duties.

The Detroit Pistons may have hit a temporary speed bump with one of their most intriguing young guards — but don’t mistake it for a breakup.

According to a report from Jake Fischer and Marc Stein of The Stein Line, second-year guard Daniss Jenkinsdeclined a two-year, minimum-salary contract offer from Detroit, a decision that initially raised eyebrows but may ultimately signal confidence on both sides that something better is coming.

Why Daniss Jenkins Said No (For Now)

The offer on the table would have covered the rest of the 2025–26 season and all of 2026–27, keeping Jenkins in Detroit on a minimum deal. For a player who has become a regular part of the Pistons’ rotation, that number simply didn’t match his growing value.

At just 24 years old, Jenkins is approaching a critical moment in his development — and his contract status. He’s currently on a two-way deal and sits just three games away from the NBA’s 50-game active limit, meaning Detroit will soon need to convert him to a standard contract if they want him available down the stretch.

There’s Still Optimism a Deal Gets Done

Despite Jenkins declining the initial offer, league insiders believe Detroit remains motivated to keep him long-term. In fact, there’s an expectation that the two sides will eventually land on a more lucrative agreement, one that better reflects Jenkins’ role and production.

Comparable contracts around the league suggest Jenkins could command something closer to:

• Three years, $9 million, or
• Four years, $12 million

That kind of deal would reward Jenkins for his progress while still fitting Detroit’s long-term roster-building timeline.

Cap Mechanics Complicate Things — But Not Fatally

Because the Pistons used their full non-taxpayer mid-level exception this past offseason, any deal above the minimum would likely require the bi-annual exception, which is limited to two years.

That restriction may explain why negotiations haven’t crossed the finish line yet. Timing also matters. With Detroit currently carrying a full 15-man roster, converting Jenkins would require an additional roster move — something the team may prefer to handle after the February 5 trade deadline.

If It Waits, Restricted Free Agency Looms

If a deal doesn’t materialize soon, Jenkins is expected to attract multi-year offers in restricted free agency this summer. The Pistons would retain the right to match any offer sheet, giving them significant leverage — but also increasing the price tag if Jenkins continues to shine.

Jenkins Has Earned the Attention

In 39 games this season, Jenkins has quietly become one of Detroit’s more reliable contributors:

• 7.7 points per game
• 3.4 assists
• 1.7 rebounds
• 0.9 steals
• Efficient .418/.386/.787 shooting splits

He’s carved out a reputation as a steady defender, smart decision-maker, and confident shot-maker, all while doing his damage in under 17 minutes per night.

Bottom Line

This isn’t a standoff — it’s a negotiation.

Daniss Jenkins turning down a minimum deal doesn’t signal disinterest in Detroit. It signals belief in his value. And judging by his performance, the Pistons seem to agree — even if the paperwork takes a little longer to finalize.

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