Spurs fleece Timberwolves in genius trade in first round of 2024 NBA Draft

The San Antonio Spurs pulled off another genius trade. This time they traded the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft to get more draft capital from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Adrian Wojnarowski reported Minnesota is sending an unprotected first in 2031 and a protected swap in 2030 for the rights to draft Rob Dillingham.

Dillingham wanted to play for the Spurs, but ends up next to Anthony Edwards on a franchise that made it to the conference finals. The prospect is an elite scorer and shot creator, but has significant drawbacks on the defensive end of the floor.

San Antonio pulled off the move of the draft. Everyone has talked about how weak this class is. The Spurs took the eighth overall pick and traded for unprotected selecton from a team with serious financial questions. The Timberwolves could be one of the worst teams in the league by 2031.

Spurs fleece Minnesota in draft night trade

This was a home run move by San Antonio. There is no guarantee Dillingham turns into a star. He was the lightest player at the combine, and the Spurs already took their preferred prospect in Stephon Castle fourth overall. The franchise has a guard to pair with Victor Wembanyama in what should make an elite defensive duo. They do not want Dillingham's negative on that end too.

The Timberwolves are fresh off a run to the conference finals, but won their first playoff series in 20 years to get there. Nobody knows who will own the team or how much they are willing to spend. If the Wolves refuse to pay the tax, does Anthony Edwards eventually ask out? The Spurs are dreaming about it and could get another lottery pick to pair with a prime Wemby in 2031.

The San Antonio Spurs did not see a player they believed in. They have a ton of draft capital, which they can take young talent or trade to put pieces around Wembanyama. The Spurs future is bright and there was no need to use this selection if they did not see a difference-maker on the board.

No team is looking forward to facing the Spurs as Wemby reaches his prime. It was a fantastic first year, and he will only by 27 years old in 2031. Right in the middle of prime as this draft pick comes San Antonio's way. Putting a lottery pick next to the 7'4 big man could be the piece that pushes the Spurs to a championship. Credit to the franchise's brain trust because they just pulled off another amazing trade.