Spurs pulled off absolutely genius trade that's aging like fine wine

Despite not making any deals at the NBA trade deadline, a recent San Antonio Spurs move has continued to pay big dividends. Back in 2024, the Spurs drafted guard Rob Dillingham eighth overall, but he didn't last long with San Antonio.

Dillingham had widely been predicted to go to the Spurs. However, they instead traded him to the Minnesota Timberwolves on draft night for a 2030 top-one protected pick swap and an unprotected 2031 first.

At first, many questioned the decision, but it has worked out surprisingly well for the Silver and Black. Dillingham flamed out quickly, lasting less than two seasons in Minnesota, before recently being traded to the Chicago Bulls.

Too bad for the Wolves, but those picks have already come in handy for the Spurs.

The Spurs were just proven right after trading Rob Dillingham

San Antonio used the 2031 first they received from the Wolves as the centerpiece of their offer to the Sacramento Kings for De'Aaron Fox. Fox has helped Spur their success this season, proving they were 100% right trading Dillingham.

They essentially turned the eighth overall pick in a middling draft into an all-star in Fox and still have a pick swap to show for it. Spurs GM Brian Wright officially cooked with that trade, and it could set them up for years to come.

It also doesn't hurt that the trade was a disaster for the Wolves. They already mortgaged their future after trading five firsts for Rudy Gobert. That was an overpay, even if it's worked out well for them. Still, trading an unprotected first and a pick swap was a massive mistake.

GM Brian Wright is the Spurs' secret weapo

San Antonio wisely bet against a 5'11" guard and was handsomely rewarded with two assets, with one leading to Fox. Even that pick swap could come in handy. Remember, the Spurs will have swap rights not only with the Wolves but also with the Dallas Mavericks in 2030.

The Wolves project to be better than the Mavs in four years. But if San Antonio had the third-best record and Minnesota had the eighth, the Spurs would end up with the 22nd pick instead of the 30th selection.

That would obviously come in handy, even more so if the Mavericks's pick ends up in the teens. In which case the Silver and Black could move up even further in the 2030 NBA Draft.

Moves like the Dillingham trade are precisely why San Antonio has the third-best record in the NBA, with their front office giving them a huge competitive advantage.