Minnesota Timberwolves Trade for No. 8 Pick in NBA Draft, Select Kentucky’s Rob Dillingham

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Rob Dillingham, Minnesota Timberwolves
Credit: Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

Most expected the Minnesota Timberwolves to lay low until at least the 20-range on Wednesday night in the first round of the NBA Draft, but we should never doubt the president of basketball operation abilities of Tim Connelly.

Minnesota Timberwolves trade up to No. 8 for Kentucky point guard Rob Dillingham

Kentucky’s Rob Dillingham’s was just drafted by the San Antonio Spurs with the No. 8 overall pick… but as his name was being read off by commissioner Adam Silver, Shams and Woj were both tweeting about a trade that was sending the 19-year-old walking bucket to Minnesota.

In return, the Wolves are shipping an unprotected 2031 1st rounder and a 2030 pick swap to the Spurs. Yes… they still have No. 27 and No. 37 in this draft.

This is everything for the Timberwolves and answers a whole bunch of questions. They needed a point guard of the future and someone who could knock down shots. In Rob Dillingham, they get both. He averaged 15.2 points, 3.9 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game.

Look at these highlights… holy moly macaroni. Who in the hell is going to stop the future Wolves, led by this dude and Anthony Edwards, not to mention others like Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid? Also, it’s crazy to think that the Timberwolves just traded up 19 spots in the first round and still have tonight’s No. 27 pick and tomorrow’s No. 37.

Tim Connelly just out here absolutely cooking tonight. Chris Finch made it clear how important getting a point guard of the future was for the Wolves this summer, something we documented earlier today. We thought that meant Isaiah Collier. But Finchy’s PoBO had much grander plans on his mind. To say this team is all in on the next 5 years would be an understatement.

Remember, NBA Draft day trades are not official right away. Any trade made tonight cannot be processed in the league offices until the new league year officially starts, which isn’t until July 1. So don’t start prepping for the introductory press conference just yet. It’ll be a week before anyone in the Wolves organization can make that happen. Oh well, he will be worth the wait.

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