Dillingham’s draft stock was rather volatile, with some hailing him as a potential firecracker off the bench and others believing he could falter due to physical limitations. Few players in this year’s draft class are as creative with the ball in their hands as Dillingham, a whirling dervish capable of rattling home long-range triples but also getting to the cup with regularity.
Last year was not the easiest of seasons for the highly-touted freshman, who started just one game with the Wildcats. He still fared well when he did see the floor, however, picking up SEC Sixth Man of the Year honors after averaging 15.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists on 47.5/44.4/79.6 shooting splits.
It seems San Antonio wasn’t moved by the production, however. As a result, the Victor Wembanyama-led franchise made the move, acquiring a 2031 unprotected first-rounder and a 2030 first-round pick swap (top-1 protected) in the process, per The Athletic’s Adrian Wojnarowski.Here’s what you need to know.
SN’S NBA DRAFT HQ: Live picks tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | 2-round mockRob Dillingham trade details
The Dillingham deal is as follows:
- Timberwolves receive: Rob Dillingham (No. 8 pick)
- Spurs receive: 2031 unprotected first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick swap (top-1 protected)
Why did the Spurs trade Rob Dillingham?
The decision to part ways with Dillingham (before he even got into the Alamo City) was a controversial one among Spurs fanatics. The idea of pairing Dillingham with Wembanyama and No. 4 pick Stephon Castle was an enticing one — they are all teeming with offensive and defensive fervor the likes of which could light up the floor at Frost Bank Center.
Nevertheless, the talent in this year’s draft has widely been derided, and although Dillingham has plenty of promise, he also has a slew of weaknesses, with his lackluster, 176-pound frame appearing to limit his defensive potential. The Spurs are also facing a roster and cap crunch, as beat writer Jeff McDonald pointed out on X.
I know y’all HATE this … but cap/roster space this summer.
Also trading out of a weak draft and into one that might be a little stronger down the road.
There are arguments for making the pick for sure. That’s the argument for dealing it. https://t.co/moogzYe8WE
— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) June 27, 2024
All of those factors paint a picture that the Spurs’ second first-round selection of the night was expendable. All they needed was an adequate dance partner, a role Minnesota played eagerly.
The Timberwolves fancy themselves a title contender, but they don’t have a ton of cap flexibility or, after the Rudy Gobert trade, future first-round picks, to bolster their roster. Such circumstances presented one potential pathway to fortify their supporting cast around Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Karl-Anthony Towns: This year’s draft.
Minnesota was in desperate need of a flamethrower to offer instant offense off the bench. The fact that such a profile comes in the form of a 19-year-old with four years of relatively cheap team control was too much to turn down. It was a costly endeavor, in the end, with the Wolves opting to mortgage more of their future in the hopes of present-day success, as beat writer Jon Krawczynski explained on X.
The Wolves see their championship window as open. Right now. The best way for them to add top flight talent was through trade. For Tim Connelly to get a player that fits so many of their needs without giving up this year’s 1st or any of their rotation players, pretty impressive
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) June 27, 2024
If Dillingham can slalom his way into Minnesota’s rotation in 2024-25 — perhaps a much-needed backup PG to veteran Mike Conley — that’s a risk worth taking, it seems. The Spurs are certainly satisfied with those conditions, particularly with the first-rounders the Wolves surrendered possessing precious few protections.
