Kofi Inkoom
Rob Dillingham, the 8th overall pick by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2024 NBA Draft, is being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves for 2031 unprotected first and Protected 2030 pick.
Minnesota’s options for making changes to their roster this offseason are severely restricted because their team salary will exceed the second tax apron.
This restriction means the Timberwolves can’t bundle players in trades, can’t receive more salary in a trade than they send out, and can’t sign free agents to anything above minimum contracts.
However, the second apron rule doesn’t stop them from acquiring a player’s draft rights. These rights don’t count as incoming salary for trade purposes as long as the player hasn’t signed his rookie contract yet. Consequently, they’ll be able to trade for Dillingham without needing to send any players in return.
At just 19 years old, Dillingham had an impressive freshman season at Kentucky. Standing 6’1″ and weighing 164 pounds, he averaged 15.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.
His shooting was particularly notable, with percentages of 47.5% from the field, 44.4% from three-point range, and 79.6% from the free-throw line. According to Spotrac, Dillingham is expected to sign a 4-year, $28.5 million contract with T’Wolves.