It was an uneven rookie season for Rob Dillingham. Selected eighth overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, he was unable to force his way into Chris Finch’s rotation on a permanent basis. The 6-foot-1 guard won’t turn 21 until January 4, so time is on his side. In 2024-25 though, Dillingham played just 10.5 minutes per game in his 49 outings, posting averages of 4.5 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. He saw just 16 minutes of action over three games in the postseason.
With Nickeil Alexander-Walker signing with the Hawks, many assumed Dillingham (along with Terrence Shannon Jr.) would play a larger role in the 2025-26 season. While that may be the case, a well-known sportswriter/podcaster also brought up the possibility of him being traded.
Bill Simmons wonders if Rob Dillingham could be traded
On his most recent podcast, The Ringer’s Bill Simmons spoke with Nate Tice on a wide variety of topics, including the Timberwolves. After Tice spoke of the roles that Dillingham played in the summer league, Simmons wondered aloud if Dillingham could be trade bait.
The conversation went a bit further with Tice believing that with Shannon Jr. continuing to look better, more moves could be on the table. They also spoke on how the Wolves want to win now, and any future moves in the offseason should further show that.
Timberwolves may still look to sign a veteran point guard
Would the Timberwolves really give up on the eighth pick after one year, particularly one that they traded for by giving up two future first-rounders (2030 pick swap, 2031 unprotected)? Now, the 2024 draft does seem like one of the weaker ones in recent memory, so being selected eighth overall might not be equal to being picked eighth in other years.
With Minnesota being in win-now mode, they could use their taxpayer mid-level exception on another floor general, one that Finch might have more belief in. One name that has been floated around in rumors is Malcolm Brogdon, a talented, albeit injury-prone. point guard who won Sixth Man of the Year in 2022-23. Cory Joseph and Delon Wright are two examples of point guards who could probably be had for the veteran's minimum.
If the Wolves do sign another point guard, the idea of Dillingham being traded doesn't seem as far-fetched. Dillingham would certainly have value on rebuilding teams looking for future building blocks, and perhaps the Timberwolves can acquire a more win-now piece in exchange.