Why did the Spurs trade Rob Dillingham? Timberwolves acquire Kentucky guard in surprising 2024 NBA Draft deal

After stringing together one of the most impressive seasons in franchise history, the Timberwolves added another high-profile talent to their roster on Wednesday, securing the services of Kentucky guard Rob Dillingham after he agreed to a trade with the Spurs .

Dillingham’s draft stock has been quite volatile, with some hailing him as a potential bench hit 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 slamming home triples from long range while also hitting the Cup with regularity.

Last year wasn’t the easiest season for the highly touted freshman, who started just one game for the Wildcats. He was still doing well when he saw the floor, but picked 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.

However, it appears San Antonio was not moved by the production. As a result, the Victor Wembanyama-led franchise made the move, acquiring an unprotected 2031 first-rounder and a 2030 first-round pick swap (top-1 protected) in the process, according to The Athletic’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Here’s what you need to know.

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Trading data from Rob Dillingham

The Dillingham deal reads 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 joined the Alamo City) was controversial among Spurs fanatics. The idea of ​​pairing Dillingham with Wembanyama and No. 4 pick Stephon Castle was tempting; they are all teeming with offensive and defensive fervor that could light up the floor of Frost Bank Center.

Still, the talent in this year’s draft is being widely ridiculed, and while Dillingham shows 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 at X.

I know y’all HATE this…but cap/roster space this summer.

Also trading from a weak depth to one that may be stronger later.

There are arguments for making this choice. That’s the argument for tackling it. https://t.co/moogzYe8WE

— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) June 27, 2024

All of these factors paint a picture that the Spurs’ second-round pick of the night was replaceable. All they needed was a suitable dance partner, a role Minnesota was more than happy to play.

The Timberwolves consider themselves a title contender, but they don’t have much flexibility or, after trading Rudy Gobert, future first-round picks to bolster their roster. Such circumstances provided a possible way to strengthen their supporting cast around Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns: this year’s draft.

Minnesota desperately needed a flamethrower to attack directly 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 ultimately a costly endeavor, with the Wolves choosing to mortgage more of their future in hopes of modern-day success, as beat writer Jon Krawczynski explained on X.

The Wolves see their championship window as open. Straight away. The best way for them to add top talent was through trade. For Tim Connelly to get a player that fits so many of their needs without giving up this year’s top spot or any of their rotation players is pretty impressive

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) June 27, 2024

If Dillingham can force his way into Minnesota’s rotation in 2024-25 – perhaps a much-needed backup PG for veteran Mike Conley – it’s a risk worth taking, it seems. The Spurs are certainly happy with those circumstances, especially since the first-rounders the Wolves surrendered had very little protection.