AussieWolf3 wrote: ↑Tue Feb 03, 2026 5:18 pm
Hard to understand this move in light of the de facto no trade clause.
Either way, it sucks to see Mike go even if his time as an impact player was over
The pinky swear "no trade clause" goes out the window when you are no longer adequate. This is pro sports. You got to perform above all.
Considering his downfall, I was hoping last year was an aberration and he'd maybe bounce back but got worse, I'm a fan of his too. It's fully justified to move him.
AussieWolf3 wrote: ↑Tue Feb 03, 2026 5:18 pm
Hard to understand this move in light of the de facto no trade clause.
Either way, it sucks to see Mike go even if his time as an impact player was over
The pinky swear "no trade clause" goes out the window when you are no longer adequate. This is pro sports. You got to perform above all.
Considering his downfall, I was hoping last year was an aberration and he'd maybe bounce back but got worse, I'm a fan of his too. It's fully justified to move him.
I completely agree with everything you said here, I just figured that he would only be moved in a deal that actually moved the needle, not a cash saving one that MIGHT set up a needle mover... Just odd is all
AussieWolf3 wrote: ↑Tue Feb 03, 2026 5:18 pm
Hard to understand this move in light of the de facto no trade clause.
Either way, it sucks to see Mike go even if his time as an impact player was over
The pinky swear "no trade clause" goes out the window when you are no longer adequate. This is pro sports. You got to perform above all.
Considering his downfall, I was hoping last year was an aberration and he'd maybe bounce back but got worse, I'm a fan of his too. It's fully justified to move him.
I completely agree with everything you said here, I just figured that he would only be moved in a deal that actually moved the needle, not a cash saving one that MIGHT set up a needle mover... Just odd is all
I do think there is a chance (what I would hate) this is a straight salary dump to avoid the tax. New owners who had mixed reporting on financials. Low attendance numbers, a non impact player traded on a probable non title team. Just thinking it’s possible
kekgeek wrote: ↑Tue Feb 03, 2026 7:36 pm
I do think there is a chance (what I would hate) this is a straight salary dump to avoid the tax. New owners who had mixed reporting on financials. Low attendance numbers, a non impact player traded on a probable non title team. Just thinking it’s possible
60WinTim wrote: ↑Tue Feb 03, 2026 6:33 pm
I believe this is a 1st apron issue that TC needs to navigate: If the Wolves make a transaction that puts them back over the 1st apron, they become hard capped, which means they can no longer add additional salary, such as signing a buyout player. So, if the Wolves "big trade" puts them over the 1st apron, they need to have consummated any other deals that add salary before the "big trade".
Or, at least that is my understanding.
1. Cannot sign a player waived during the regular season if their previous salary exceeded the non-taxpayer MLE ($14.1M).
2. Restricted to using the Taxpayer MLE ($5.7M) only.
3. Cannot take back more salary than is sent out (100% matching or less).
4. Inability to acquire a player via a sign-and-trade.
5. The team cannot exceed the first apron ($195,945,000 for 2025-26) under any circumstances.
It's not a function of the apron restrictions. It is called being "hard-capped", which can happen regardless of which apron a team is in. Trading for a player, or signing a player with MLE, with the resulting transaction putting the team in the 1st (or 2nd) apron makes the team hard-capped. They cannot add any salary beyond their current level.
Gave the official nba rules. Take them or disagree with them. I really don't care.
kekgeek wrote: ↑Tue Feb 03, 2026 7:36 pm
I do think there is a chance (what I would hate) this is a straight salary dump to avoid the tax. New owners who had mixed reporting on financials. Low attendance numbers, a non impact player traded on a probable non title team. Just thinking it’s possible
That thought has crossed my mind. But TC's one consistent mission is to surround ANT with players that will make him the best he can be. Mike was an important part of that, but age eliminated him from contributing to winning basketball. I cannot think of another move TC could make to continue ANT on his journey than adding Giannis. What a terrific role model of fire and focus for ANT to continue his growth. It may not pan out, but I have to believe TC is taking the steps necessary to pull off the biggest trade of his tenure.
Who had ANT 2.0 on their bingo card being the duo of ANT and Giannis?!?
1. Cannot sign a player waived during the regular season if their previous salary exceeded the non-taxpayer MLE ($14.1M).
2. Restricted to using the Taxpayer MLE ($5.7M) only.
3. Cannot take back more salary than is sent out (100% matching or less).
4. Inability to acquire a player via a sign-and-trade.
5. The team cannot exceed the first apron ($195,945,000 for 2025-26) under any circumstances.
It's not a function of the apron restrictions. It is called being "hard-capped", which can happen regardless of which apron a team is in. Trading for a player, or signing a player with MLE, with the resulting transaction putting the team in the 1st (or 2nd) apron makes the team hard-capped. They cannot add any salary beyond their current level.
Gave the official nba rules. Take them or disagree with them. I really don't care.
Ahh... I'll amend my statement as saying they can only add salary via vet minimum signings, unless that signing would have them exceed the apron threshold. Then they are hosed.
The pinky swear "no trade clause" goes out the window when you are no longer adequate. This is pro sports. You got to perform above all.
Considering his downfall, I was hoping last year was an aberration and he'd maybe bounce back but got worse, I'm a fan of his too. It's fully justified to move him.
I completely agree with everything you said here, I just figured that he would only be moved in a deal that actually moved the needle, not a cash saving one that MIGHT set up a needle mover... Just odd is all
Ultimately I think Conley has been around and understands the league as well as anyone. I saw the clip of him talking in the locker room and how he wanted to play more years but who knows. A roster spot and some flexibility can be valuable. I doubt the Wolves org was excited about having to make the trade.
Edit: I mean at this point is Jevon Carter a better player than Conley? He might be a buyout signing to help a few minutes a game. Don't get me wrong the Wolves are looking much higher than that to add to the roster but just sayin.
Last edited by Monster on Tue Feb 03, 2026 10:41 pm, edited 1 time in total.
kekgeek wrote: ↑Tue Feb 03, 2026 7:36 pm
I do think there is a chance (what I would hate) this is a straight salary dump to avoid the tax. New owners who had mixed reporting on financials. Low attendance numbers, a non impact player traded on a probable non title team. Just thinking it’s possible
That thought has crossed my mind. But TC's one consistent mission is to surround ANT with players that will make him the best he can be. Mike was an important part of that, but age eliminated him from contributing to winning basketball. I cannot think of another move TC could make to continue ANT on his journey than adding Giannis. What a terrific role model of fire and focus for ANT to continue his growth. It may not pan out, but I have to believe TC is taking the steps necessary to pull off the biggest trade of his tenure.
Who had ANT 2.0 on their bingo card being the duo of ANT and Giannis?!?
I think it's possible they don't make a huge move but still this could give them a way to add someone that's worthwhile. I would not be shocked if there are some good players that hit the buyout market and if the Wolves don't do much at the guard spot there is a pretty legit rotation spot for the taking on a team that's a contender at least of some sorts. Saving some money and possibly giving them some flexibility a few months from now doesn't hurt either.
