Spurs 2024 Draft grade: Trading Rob Dillingham to the Timberwolves

San Antonio acquired two first round picks for the eighth overall pick.

The San Antonio Spurs came into the 2024 NBA Draft with the opportunity to make two top-10 selections. There were rumblings that they could trade the eighth pick before the draft. It appeared that the Spurs had selected Rob Dillingham at eight, giving them an explosive offensive guard. Moments after the selection was made, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported the pick had been traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

San Antonio receives an unprotected 2031 first round pick and a protected 2030 pick swap from Minnesota. The trade opens up cap room for the Spurs to sign free agents this summer. If San Antonio waives all of their non-guarunteed contracts (Devonte’ Graham, Julian Champagnie and Charles Bassey) they could open up $26 million in cap room. It also gives the Spurs two more assets they can package in a trade for a star down the road.

Dillingham was a draft nerd favorite for his shooting ability and hot streak scoring. He seemingly would have given the Spurs some much needed offensive output at the guard position. However, there were real concerns about his defensive ability and he wasn’t the best playmaker at Kentucky. The Stephon Castle selection indicates the Spurs are looking to build a big, versatile roster next to Victor Wembanyama. In a draft filled with question marks, the Spurs decided to trade out, rather than make a second first round selection.

The trade gives the Spurs 15 future first round picks in the next seven drafts. As the Spurs begin to build a playoff team around Wembanyama, they’ll be able to use these assets to draft young talent, or package them together to trade for a star to play alongside him. The basketball world just saw the New York Knicks give up five first-round picks for Mikal Bridges. The price to trade for a star has never been higher. The Spurs are loading up on ammunition to put themselves in the position to pay that toll.

This move could be an indication that the Spurs are hoping to shift their focus from developing young players to acquiring veteran talent. With over $20 million in cap room this summer, they’ll be a contender to acquire a rotation piece or two in free agency or take on salary in a trade. The winner of this trade probably won’t be clear for another year or so, when we find out what the Spurs do with their cap space and draft assets.

With limited roster spots, San Antonio chose flexibility over developing another young player. Now all eyes are on Brian Wright, Gregg Popovich, R.C. Buford and the rest of the Spurs front office to utilize the flexibility to improve the roster around Wembanyama.

Trade Grade: B- (subject to change)