Rob Dillingham traded to Minnesota Timberwolves after NBA Draft selection

After the San Antonio Spurs selected him in the 2024 NBA Draft, they traded Rob Dillingham to the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. In return, the Spurs will receive a 2031 unprotected first-round pick and a protected 2030 pick swap.

San Antonio selected Dillingham with the No. 8 overall pick, and shortly after Adam Silver made the announcement, news broke of the trade. Now, he’ll head to Minnesota to join forces with another former Kentucky star in Karl-Anthony Towns.

In his lone season at Kentucky, Dillingham averaged 15.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game while shooting 47.5% from the field and 44.3% from beyond the arc. For his efforts, he was named the 2024 SEC Sixth Man of the Year and an All-SEC Second Team member.

What NBA Draft experts are saying about Rob Dillingham

Dillingham cemented himself as a prolific scorer at Kentucky and showed off his shooting prowess. Now, he’s heading to the NBA, and On3’s James Fletcher III said he could have star potential.

“Rob Dillingham is an electric scorer and probably the most NBA-ready offensive weapon in the draft class. However, he is also among the least prepared for the nightly challenge of guarding professional guards. The 6-foot-2 guard came off the bench for Kentucky, shooting 44.4% from 3 and 47.5% overall. Whether he remains in a 6th-man role or emerges into a starting lineup, he looks primed to become the next Wildcat in this mold to star as a professional.

“Dillingham has started to fall from the list of potential Top Five names in some conversations as rumors swirl that the point guard needy San Antonio Spurs could seek a ball-handler through trade.”

Dillingham’s playmaking ability makes him an intriguing fit in Minnesota. Now playing alongside KAT and Anthony Edwards, he could be poised to make a quick impact with the Timberwolves.

“At 6-foot-1, Dillingham has an elite offensive package that will translate to the NBA,” Rotowire wrote. “He has a quick first step and can score at all three levels, like many other NBA guards who went to Kentucky.

“He will also find the open shooter but needs work as a playmaker to be considered a true point guard, as his shot selection and ball security can be spotty. Building his frame should help correct those issues, as Dillingham was at 164 pounds at the Combine. Dillingham won’t turn 20 until January of 2025, which makes an ideal prospect at the top of the 2024 NBA Draft.