It's becoming increasingly more likely that Rob Dillingham won't be on the Minnesota Timberwolves past the trade deadline. The second-year guard hasn't developed as Minnesota had hoped when they traded up to draft him in 2024. Notably, Dillingham is averaging just 3.6 points, on 33.8/35.5/75 shooting splits, and has been out of the Wolves' rotation since mid-December.
One team that could provide Dillingham a nice chance to rejuvenate his career and solve the Wolves' point guard problem? The Charlotte Hornets. Dillingham is a native of Hickory, North Carolina, so this landing spot is especially intriguing for him.
The Wolves have been linked to Collin Sexton -- a deal centered around Dillingham and Mike Conley could get the job done. Here's what the exact trade may look like.
A Sexton-Dillingham trade would benefit all parties
While Dillingham would be playing behind LaMelo Ball (and likely Tre Mann), there's clearly more minutes available in Charlotte, especially with Sexton's 23.5 minutes per game heading out. Dillingham still has plenty of upside as a microwave scorer and playmaker -- he needs a team that can commit to his development. While the Wolves unfortunately can't do this, the Hornets absolutely can.
Parting ways with Conley would be a tough pill to swallow, given his importance as a veteran leader. Nevertheless, it must be done financially (unless the Wolves want to trade someone within the top six of their rotation), and Conley might get bought out should he be traded to Charlotte.
Leonard Miller is another young player who could benefit from increased opportunity in Charlotte. The 22-year-old forward has some level of upside, but needs to be included financially.
The Timberwolves are giving up two players who aren't in their rotation, and one player who isn't contributing much to their rotation, for a reliable point guard. In my eyes, Sexton is the perfect trade target for the Timberwolves.
Sexton would most notably provide some much-needed perimeter shot creation outside of Anthony Edwards. The Alabama product is currently averaging 14.9 points while shooting 37.4 percent from 3-point range and 71.2 percent at the rim. Additionally, Sexton is a fierce perimeter defender and quality playmaker. This all-around skill set is exactly what the Wolves need.
At first glance, this package might seem low for Sexton. However, let us not forget that Sexton and a second-round pick were traded for Jusuf Nurkic this offseason, so it's not like his value is very high. As an expiring contract, the Hornets could look to shop Sexton, and it's unlikely that they view him as a long-term part of their future. These factors make a package like this realistic for Sexton.
Now Sexton's pending free agency complicates things for Minnesota. Regardless, if the Wolves can get Sexton for a package like this, they should absolutely pull the trigger on such a move.