Wolves make draft-night trade with Spurs for No. 8 pick Rob Dillingham

The Timberwolves’ president of basketball operations executed a trade with the San Antonio Spurs for Kentucky guard Rob Dillingham, whom the Spurs selected with the No. 8 overall pick in the NBA draft. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Wolves are trading an unprotected first-round pick in 2031 as well as a protected 2030 pick swap, so Minnesota held on to its No. 27 overall selection.

The Wolves also keep the No. 37 pick in the second round of the draft, which takes place today.

Dillingham, 19, played 32 games as a freshman last season for the Wildcats, averaging 15.2 points, 3.9 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game. Dillingham appeared in 32 games, making one start, and was named All-Southeastern Conference Second Team by both coaches and the media.

Dillingham was also the SEC Sixth Man of the Year.

At 15.2 points per game, Dillingham was Kentucky’s second-leading scorer while shooting 48% from the field and 44% from 3-point range. He’s touted as one of the best shooter’s in this year’s draft — he’s an effective 3-point shooter and scorer that the Timberwolves need on the roster.

(photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)