It was just last Thursday when the Minnesota Timberwolves bullied the OKC Thunder for 48 minutes on their home floor for the second time in three matchups this season.
Now, having already established themselves as one of the Western Conference frontrunners, they are seemingly setting themselves up to become an even bigger threat to Oklahoma City's repeat bid.
On Tuesday, the Wolves quietly traded away Mike Conley to the Chicago Bulls in a three-team deal that also involved the Detroit Pistons.
Minnesota also sent a 2026 first-round protected swap to Detroit.
As if the NBA didn't already know, the unloading of Conley and opening of a roster spot represents an all-in move by the Wolves in their pursuit of Milwaukee superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, as the departure of the veteran guard now puts them $2.5 million under the first apron, which, in turn, would allow them to absorb more salary than they send out in a deal before the deadline.
Timberwolves pulling off Giannis trade would be a disaster for Thunder
The Thunder are not looking to take a homerun swing on a Giannis trade, but the Wolves certainly seem to be.
There's a case to be made that Minnesota is the last place they would want to see the superstar shipped to.
Seeing a direct rival like the T-Wolves acquire such a game-changing player could have seismic ramifications throughout the Western Conference.
Given they've lost in the Western Conference Finals two years in a row, the move could provide them with the edge they have desperately needed to finally get over the hump and into the championship round.
With Anthony Edwards looking like one of the premier talents in the NBA over the past few years, the addition of extra superstar power could put the Wolves on "superteam" watch.
With Julius Randle as one of the best third options in the league, their offensive prowess would be unmatched, especially considering they were already the league's highest scoring team in January.
Thunder could have a saving grace
Fortunately for Oklahoma City, the Wolves are short on draft assets, which means whatever package they offer for Giannis would have to be player-focused.
Such a move could require a complete derailment of Minnesota's roster, leaving the team short on depth. It would also make any future moves difficult for the Wolves to make.
Given the fact that they have been rumored to be looking for another ball handler, acquiring Milwaukee's forward could handcuff them in that endeavor.
While OKC remains relatively quiet amid the league's trade buzz, many of its toughest competitors are looking to flex their transactional muscles.
Despite these efforts, the Thunder remain the team to beat in the West, and, as of now, the Wolves are still chasing their tail.