The “second apron” of the wage cap is about to clamp down on the Timberwolves this offseason and restrict how they’ll reshape their roster.
So through the first spherical of the NBA draft Wednesday, Wolves President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly took benefit of one of many solely remaining levers he may pull to improve a staff he and possession imagine is a championship contender.
Connelly swung a commerce, his third in three drafts with the staff, and dealt the one future first-round draft decide he may beneath NBA guidelines to the San Antonio Spurs to seize the No. 8 decide and choose Kentucky combo guard Rob Dillingham.
Dillingham can present one thing the Wolves have been missing at instances within the playoffs: instantaneous offense. To make the transfer, the Wolves gave up a 2031 unprotected first-round decide and a protected 2030 decide swap.
“Enjoying with Anthony Edwards and the entire Timberwolves. … it is actually only a blessing as a result of I get to study from a whole lot of gamers and veterans which might be actual good,” Dillingham mentioned. “Them serving to me is only a plus for me.”
The Wolves nonetheless held on to the No. 27 decide within the deal, and with that took Illinois wing Terrence Shannon Jr., who also can add scoring prowess off the bench.
The 6-7 Shannon performed final season whereas awaiting path for rape and sexual assault stemming from an incident in a bar in Kansas in September. A jury acquitted Shannon earlier this month after a week-long trial in Kansas.
Dillingham, 19, averaged 15.2 factors per sport whereas capturing 44% from three-point vary as a freshman and may have a task with the Wolves immediately off the bench given the Wolves’ want for scoring pop.
The transfer was a loud-throated declaration from the group that the Wolves really feel their likelihood to win a championship is subsequent season, and maybe for a couple of years after, as they sacrificed extra future draft capital, albeit six and 7 years away. That does not matter to a staff that feels on the doorstep of profitable a title.
Dillingham will make barely lower than $6.3 million subsequent season as a part of the rookie-scale contract, with the whole worth of his contract being value $28.6 million.
The transfer was a giant dedication from possession, which can pay the luxurious tax for the primary time for the reason that 2019-20 season. Based on ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Wolves’ luxurious tax invoice went up from $56 to $84 million subsequent season with the commerce for Dillingham.
With extensions to Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and Karl-Anthony Cities approaching the books this season, Connelly, who dealt the staff’s 2025, ’27 and ’29 picks to Utah for Rudy Gobert, swung for the fences with the one little bit of first-round draft capital he needed to deal within the ’31 decide.
The Wolves’ capacity to maneuver their 2032 decide was about to be frozen beneath the foundations of exceeding the second apron of the luxurious tax. The Wolves rendered that moot by buying and selling the 2031 decide, since groups cannot deal first-round picks in consecutive years anyway. The Wolves additionally will not have the ability to signal gamers (besides their very own free brokers) to something moreover minimal contracts as soon as free company opens, per second apron guidelines. So considered one of their lone avenues for locating an influence participant who may also help them now and within the subsequent few years was to make a splash on this draft.
Amongst Dillingham’s strengths are his quickness and his capturing; he has a quick launch and could be a good finisher across the rim and is shifty in his capacity to get previous defenders.
His weaknesses are on the defensive finish of the ground, and his skinny body (6-2, 164 kilos) make him weak to assault on that finish of the ground. However the Wolves may have the ability to discover a technique to compensate, as they’d the league’s No. 1 protection in 2023-24.
“I really feel like I am fast and I can get previous dudes,” Dillingham mentioned. “… You are enjoying with a bunch of NBA gamers, so gamers cannot actually assist off loads as a result of these are NBA gamers they usually knock down photographs. Getting previous my defender and making performs with my teammates shall be approach simpler, and if they do not assist, it is only a bucket.”
Dillingham can also work on decreasing his turnover charge after he averaged two per sport in 23 minutes with Kentucky.
Shannon, 23, was a third-team All-America final season, staying on the staff after suing for his proper to proceed enjoying whereas the authorized course of performed out. He averaged 23 factors per sport for the Illini, who gained the Large Ten match at Goal Middle. Shannon performed 5 seasons in school, the primary three at Texas Tech.
His strengths embody his capacity to drive to the rim and use his energy to get there. That energy additionally permits him to get to the free-throw line at a excessive charge (8.6 makes an attempt per sport final season). His weaknesses embody a low launch level and a shot that may nonetheless use some work in enhancing effectivity (35% profession three-point shooter).
The “second apron” of the wage cap is about to clamp down on the Timberwolves this offseason and restrict how they’ll reshape their roster.
So through the first spherical of the NBA draft Wednesday, Wolves President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly took benefit of one of many solely remaining levers he may pull to improve a staff he and possession imagine is a championship contender.
Connelly swung a commerce, his third in three drafts with the staff, and dealt the one future first-round draft decide he may beneath NBA guidelines to the San Antonio Spurs to seize the No. 8 decide and choose Kentucky combo guard Rob Dillingham.
Dillingham can present one thing the Wolves have been missing at instances within the playoffs: instantaneous offense. To make the transfer, the Wolves gave up a 2031 unprotected first-round decide and a protected 2030 decide swap.
“Enjoying with Anthony Edwards and the entire Timberwolves. … it is actually only a blessing as a result of I get to study from a whole lot of gamers and veterans which might be actual good,” Dillingham mentioned. “Them serving to me is only a plus for me.”
The Wolves nonetheless held on to the No. 27 decide within the deal, and with that took Illinois wing Terrence Shannon Jr., who also can add scoring prowess off the bench.
The 6-7 Shannon performed final season whereas awaiting path for rape and sexual assault stemming from an incident in a bar in Kansas in September. A jury acquitted Shannon earlier this month after a week-long trial in Kansas.
Dillingham, 19, averaged 15.2 factors per sport whereas capturing 44% from three-point vary as a freshman and may have a task with the Wolves immediately off the bench given the Wolves’ want for scoring pop.
The transfer was a loud-throated declaration from the group that the Wolves really feel their likelihood to win a championship is subsequent season, and maybe for a couple of years after, as they sacrificed extra future draft capital, albeit six and 7 years away. That does not matter to a staff that feels on the doorstep of profitable a title.
Dillingham will make barely lower than $6.3 million subsequent season as a part of the rookie-scale contract, with the whole worth of his contract being value $28.6 million.
The transfer was a giant dedication from possession, which can pay the luxurious tax for the primary time for the reason that 2019-20 season. Based on ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Wolves’ luxurious tax invoice went up from $56 to $84 million subsequent season with the commerce for Dillingham.
With extensions to Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and Karl-Anthony Cities approaching the books this season, Connelly, who dealt the staff’s 2025, ’27 and ’29 picks to Utah for Rudy Gobert, swung for the fences with the one little bit of first-round draft capital he needed to deal within the ’31 decide.
The Wolves’ capacity to maneuver their 2032 decide was about to be frozen beneath the foundations of exceeding the second apron of the luxurious tax. The Wolves rendered that moot by buying and selling the 2031 decide, since groups cannot deal first-round picks in consecutive years anyway. The Wolves additionally will not have the ability to signal gamers (besides their very own free brokers) to something moreover minimal contracts as soon as free company opens, per second apron guidelines. So considered one of their lone avenues for locating an influence participant who may also help them now and within the subsequent few years was to make a splash on this draft.
Amongst Dillingham’s strengths are his quickness and his capturing; he has a quick launch and could be a good finisher across the rim and is shifty in his capacity to get previous defenders.
His weaknesses are on the defensive finish of the ground, and his skinny body (6-2, 164 kilos) make him weak to assault on that finish of the ground. However the Wolves may have the ability to discover a technique to compensate, as they’d the league’s No. 1 protection in 2023-24.
“I really feel like I am fast and I can get previous dudes,” Dillingham mentioned. “… You are enjoying with a bunch of NBA gamers, so gamers cannot actually assist off loads as a result of these are NBA gamers they usually knock down photographs. Getting previous my defender and making performs with my teammates shall be approach simpler, and if they do not assist, it is only a bucket.”
Dillingham can also work on decreasing his turnover charge after he averaged two per sport in 23 minutes with Kentucky.
Shannon, 23, was a third-team All-America final season, staying on the staff after suing for his proper to proceed enjoying whereas the authorized course of performed out. He averaged 23 factors per sport for the Illini, who gained the Large Ten match at Goal Middle. Shannon performed 5 seasons in school, the primary three at Texas Tech.
His strengths embody his capacity to drive to the rim and use his energy to get there. That energy additionally permits him to get to the free-throw line at a excessive charge (8.6 makes an attempt per sport final season). His weaknesses embody a low launch level and a shot that may nonetheless use some work in enhancing effectivity (35% profession three-point shooter).
The “second apron” of the wage cap is about to clamp down on the Timberwolves this offseason and restrict how they’ll reshape their roster.
So through the first spherical of the NBA draft Wednesday, Wolves President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly took benefit of one of many solely remaining levers he may pull to improve a staff he and possession imagine is a championship contender.
Connelly swung a commerce, his third in three drafts with the staff, and dealt the one future first-round draft decide he may beneath NBA guidelines to the San Antonio Spurs to seize the No. 8 decide and choose Kentucky combo guard Rob Dillingham.
Dillingham can present one thing the Wolves have been missing at instances within the playoffs: instantaneous offense. To make the transfer, the Wolves gave up a 2031 unprotected first-round decide and a protected 2030 decide swap.
“Enjoying with Anthony Edwards and the entire Timberwolves. … it is actually only a blessing as a result of I get to study from a whole lot of gamers and veterans which might be actual good,” Dillingham mentioned. “Them serving to me is only a plus for me.”
The Wolves nonetheless held on to the No. 27 decide within the deal, and with that took Illinois wing Terrence Shannon Jr., who also can add scoring prowess off the bench.
The 6-7 Shannon performed final season whereas awaiting path for rape and sexual assault stemming from an incident in a bar in Kansas in September. A jury acquitted Shannon earlier this month after a week-long trial in Kansas.
Dillingham, 19, averaged 15.2 factors per sport whereas capturing 44% from three-point vary as a freshman and may have a task with the Wolves immediately off the bench given the Wolves’ want for scoring pop.
The transfer was a loud-throated declaration from the group that the Wolves really feel their likelihood to win a championship is subsequent season, and maybe for a couple of years after, as they sacrificed extra future draft capital, albeit six and 7 years away. That does not matter to a staff that feels on the doorstep of profitable a title.
Dillingham will make barely lower than $6.3 million subsequent season as a part of the rookie-scale contract, with the whole worth of his contract being value $28.6 million.
The transfer was a giant dedication from possession, which can pay the luxurious tax for the primary time for the reason that 2019-20 season. Based on ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Wolves’ luxurious tax invoice went up from $56 to $84 million subsequent season with the commerce for Dillingham.
With extensions to Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and Karl-Anthony Cities approaching the books this season, Connelly, who dealt the staff’s 2025, ’27 and ’29 picks to Utah for Rudy Gobert, swung for the fences with the one little bit of first-round draft capital he needed to deal within the ’31 decide.
The Wolves’ capacity to maneuver their 2032 decide was about to be frozen beneath the foundations of exceeding the second apron of the luxurious tax. The Wolves rendered that moot by buying and selling the 2031 decide, since groups cannot deal first-round picks in consecutive years anyway. The Wolves additionally will not have the ability to signal gamers (besides their very own free brokers) to something moreover minimal contracts as soon as free company opens, per second apron guidelines. So considered one of their lone avenues for locating an influence participant who may also help them now and within the subsequent few years was to make a splash on this draft.
Amongst Dillingham’s strengths are his quickness and his capturing; he has a quick launch and could be a good finisher across the rim and is shifty in his capacity to get previous defenders.
His weaknesses are on the defensive finish of the ground, and his skinny body (6-2, 164 kilos) make him weak to assault on that finish of the ground. However the Wolves may have the ability to discover a technique to compensate, as they’d the league’s No. 1 protection in 2023-24.
“I really feel like I am fast and I can get previous dudes,” Dillingham mentioned. “… You are enjoying with a bunch of NBA gamers, so gamers cannot actually assist off loads as a result of these are NBA gamers they usually knock down photographs. Getting previous my defender and making performs with my teammates shall be approach simpler, and if they do not assist, it is only a bucket.”
Dillingham can also work on decreasing his turnover charge after he averaged two per sport in 23 minutes with Kentucky.
Shannon, 23, was a third-team All-America final season, staying on the staff after suing for his proper to proceed enjoying whereas the authorized course of performed out. He averaged 23 factors per sport for the Illini, who gained the Large Ten match at Goal Middle. Shannon performed 5 seasons in school, the primary three at Texas Tech.
His strengths embody his capacity to drive to the rim and use his energy to get there. That energy additionally permits him to get to the free-throw line at a excessive charge (8.6 makes an attempt per sport final season). His weaknesses embody a low launch level and a shot that may nonetheless use some work in enhancing effectivity (35% profession three-point shooter).
The “second apron” of the wage cap is about to clamp down on the Timberwolves this offseason and restrict how they’ll reshape their roster.
So through the first spherical of the NBA draft Wednesday, Wolves President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly took benefit of one of many solely remaining levers he may pull to improve a staff he and possession imagine is a championship contender.
Connelly swung a commerce, his third in three drafts with the staff, and dealt the one future first-round draft decide he may beneath NBA guidelines to the San Antonio Spurs to seize the No. 8 decide and choose Kentucky combo guard Rob Dillingham.
Dillingham can present one thing the Wolves have been missing at instances within the playoffs: instantaneous offense. To make the transfer, the Wolves gave up a 2031 unprotected first-round decide and a protected 2030 decide swap.
“Enjoying with Anthony Edwards and the entire Timberwolves. … it is actually only a blessing as a result of I get to study from a whole lot of gamers and veterans which might be actual good,” Dillingham mentioned. “Them serving to me is only a plus for me.”
The Wolves nonetheless held on to the No. 27 decide within the deal, and with that took Illinois wing Terrence Shannon Jr., who also can add scoring prowess off the bench.
The 6-7 Shannon performed final season whereas awaiting path for rape and sexual assault stemming from an incident in a bar in Kansas in September. A jury acquitted Shannon earlier this month after a week-long trial in Kansas.
Dillingham, 19, averaged 15.2 factors per sport whereas capturing 44% from three-point vary as a freshman and may have a task with the Wolves immediately off the bench given the Wolves’ want for scoring pop.
The transfer was a loud-throated declaration from the group that the Wolves really feel their likelihood to win a championship is subsequent season, and maybe for a couple of years after, as they sacrificed extra future draft capital, albeit six and 7 years away. That does not matter to a staff that feels on the doorstep of profitable a title.
Dillingham will make barely lower than $6.3 million subsequent season as a part of the rookie-scale contract, with the whole worth of his contract being value $28.6 million.
The transfer was a giant dedication from possession, which can pay the luxurious tax for the primary time for the reason that 2019-20 season. Based on ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Wolves’ luxurious tax invoice went up from $56 to $84 million subsequent season with the commerce for Dillingham.
With extensions to Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and Karl-Anthony Cities approaching the books this season, Connelly, who dealt the staff’s 2025, ’27 and ’29 picks to Utah for Rudy Gobert, swung for the fences with the one little bit of first-round draft capital he needed to deal within the ’31 decide.
The Wolves’ capacity to maneuver their 2032 decide was about to be frozen beneath the foundations of exceeding the second apron of the luxurious tax. The Wolves rendered that moot by buying and selling the 2031 decide, since groups cannot deal first-round picks in consecutive years anyway. The Wolves additionally will not have the ability to signal gamers (besides their very own free brokers) to something moreover minimal contracts as soon as free company opens, per second apron guidelines. So considered one of their lone avenues for locating an influence participant who may also help them now and within the subsequent few years was to make a splash on this draft.
Amongst Dillingham’s strengths are his quickness and his capturing; he has a quick launch and could be a good finisher across the rim and is shifty in his capacity to get previous defenders.
His weaknesses are on the defensive finish of the ground, and his skinny body (6-2, 164 kilos) make him weak to assault on that finish of the ground. However the Wolves may have the ability to discover a technique to compensate, as they’d the league’s No. 1 protection in 2023-24.
“I really feel like I am fast and I can get previous dudes,” Dillingham mentioned. “… You are enjoying with a bunch of NBA gamers, so gamers cannot actually assist off loads as a result of these are NBA gamers they usually knock down photographs. Getting previous my defender and making performs with my teammates shall be approach simpler, and if they do not assist, it is only a bucket.”
Dillingham can also work on decreasing his turnover charge after he averaged two per sport in 23 minutes with Kentucky.
Shannon, 23, was a third-team All-America final season, staying on the staff after suing for his proper to proceed enjoying whereas the authorized course of performed out. He averaged 23 factors per sport for the Illini, who gained the Large Ten match at Goal Middle. Shannon performed 5 seasons in school, the primary three at Texas Tech.
His strengths embody his capacity to drive to the rim and use his energy to get there. That energy additionally permits him to get to the free-throw line at a excessive charge (8.6 makes an attempt per sport final season). His weaknesses embody a low launch level and a shot that may nonetheless use some work in enhancing effectivity (35% profession three-point shooter).
The “second apron” of the wage cap is about to clamp down on the Timberwolves this offseason and restrict how they’ll reshape their roster.
So through the first spherical of the NBA draft Wednesday, Wolves President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly took benefit of one of many solely remaining levers he may pull to improve a staff he and possession imagine is a championship contender.
Connelly swung a commerce, his third in three drafts with the staff, and dealt the one future first-round draft decide he may beneath NBA guidelines to the San Antonio Spurs to seize the No. 8 decide and choose Kentucky combo guard Rob Dillingham.
Dillingham can present one thing the Wolves have been missing at instances within the playoffs: instantaneous offense. To make the transfer, the Wolves gave up a 2031 unprotected first-round decide and a protected 2030 decide swap.
“Enjoying with Anthony Edwards and the entire Timberwolves. … it is actually only a blessing as a result of I get to study from a whole lot of gamers and veterans which might be actual good,” Dillingham mentioned. “Them serving to me is only a plus for me.”
The Wolves nonetheless held on to the No. 27 decide within the deal, and with that took Illinois wing Terrence Shannon Jr., who also can add scoring prowess off the bench.
The 6-7 Shannon performed final season whereas awaiting path for rape and sexual assault stemming from an incident in a bar in Kansas in September. A jury acquitted Shannon earlier this month after a week-long trial in Kansas.
Dillingham, 19, averaged 15.2 factors per sport whereas capturing 44% from three-point vary as a freshman and may have a task with the Wolves immediately off the bench given the Wolves’ want for scoring pop.
The transfer was a loud-throated declaration from the group that the Wolves really feel their likelihood to win a championship is subsequent season, and maybe for a couple of years after, as they sacrificed extra future draft capital, albeit six and 7 years away. That does not matter to a staff that feels on the doorstep of profitable a title.
Dillingham will make barely lower than $6.3 million subsequent season as a part of the rookie-scale contract, with the whole worth of his contract being value $28.6 million.
The transfer was a giant dedication from possession, which can pay the luxurious tax for the primary time for the reason that 2019-20 season. Based on ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Wolves’ luxurious tax invoice went up from $56 to $84 million subsequent season with the commerce for Dillingham.
With extensions to Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and Karl-Anthony Cities approaching the books this season, Connelly, who dealt the staff’s 2025, ’27 and ’29 picks to Utah for Rudy Gobert, swung for the fences with the one little bit of first-round draft capital he needed to deal within the ’31 decide.
The Wolves’ capacity to maneuver their 2032 decide was about to be frozen beneath the foundations of exceeding the second apron of the luxurious tax. The Wolves rendered that moot by buying and selling the 2031 decide, since groups cannot deal first-round picks in consecutive years anyway. The Wolves additionally will not have the ability to signal gamers (besides their very own free brokers) to something moreover minimal contracts as soon as free company opens, per second apron guidelines. So considered one of their lone avenues for locating an influence participant who may also help them now and within the subsequent few years was to make a splash on this draft.
Amongst Dillingham’s strengths are his quickness and his capturing; he has a quick launch and could be a good finisher across the rim and is shifty in his capacity to get previous defenders.
His weaknesses are on the defensive finish of the ground, and his skinny body (6-2, 164 kilos) make him weak to assault on that finish of the ground. However the Wolves may have the ability to discover a technique to compensate, as they’d the league’s No. 1 protection in 2023-24.
“I really feel like I am fast and I can get previous dudes,” Dillingham mentioned. “… You are enjoying with a bunch of NBA gamers, so gamers cannot actually assist off loads as a result of these are NBA gamers they usually knock down photographs. Getting previous my defender and making performs with my teammates shall be approach simpler, and if they do not assist, it is only a bucket.”
Dillingham can also work on decreasing his turnover charge after he averaged two per sport in 23 minutes with Kentucky.
Shannon, 23, was a third-team All-America final season, staying on the staff after suing for his proper to proceed enjoying whereas the authorized course of performed out. He averaged 23 factors per sport for the Illini, who gained the Large Ten match at Goal Middle. Shannon performed 5 seasons in school, the primary three at Texas Tech.
His strengths embody his capacity to drive to the rim and use his energy to get there. That energy additionally permits him to get to the free-throw line at a excessive charge (8.6 makes an attempt per sport final season). His weaknesses embody a low launch level and a shot that may nonetheless use some work in enhancing effectivity (35% profession three-point shooter).
The “second apron” of the wage cap is about to clamp down on the Timberwolves this offseason and restrict how they’ll reshape their roster.
So through the first spherical of the NBA draft Wednesday, Wolves President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly took benefit of one of many solely remaining levers he may pull to improve a staff he and possession imagine is a championship contender.
Connelly swung a commerce, his third in three drafts with the staff, and dealt the one future first-round draft decide he may beneath NBA guidelines to the San Antonio Spurs to seize the No. 8 decide and choose Kentucky combo guard Rob Dillingham.
Dillingham can present one thing the Wolves have been missing at instances within the playoffs: instantaneous offense. To make the transfer, the Wolves gave up a 2031 unprotected first-round decide and a protected 2030 decide swap.
“Enjoying with Anthony Edwards and the entire Timberwolves. … it is actually only a blessing as a result of I get to study from a whole lot of gamers and veterans which might be actual good,” Dillingham mentioned. “Them serving to me is only a plus for me.”
The Wolves nonetheless held on to the No. 27 decide within the deal, and with that took Illinois wing Terrence Shannon Jr., who also can add scoring prowess off the bench.
The 6-7 Shannon performed final season whereas awaiting path for rape and sexual assault stemming from an incident in a bar in Kansas in September. A jury acquitted Shannon earlier this month after a week-long trial in Kansas.
Dillingham, 19, averaged 15.2 factors per sport whereas capturing 44% from three-point vary as a freshman and may have a task with the Wolves immediately off the bench given the Wolves’ want for scoring pop.
The transfer was a loud-throated declaration from the group that the Wolves really feel their likelihood to win a championship is subsequent season, and maybe for a couple of years after, as they sacrificed extra future draft capital, albeit six and 7 years away. That does not matter to a staff that feels on the doorstep of profitable a title.
Dillingham will make barely lower than $6.3 million subsequent season as a part of the rookie-scale contract, with the whole worth of his contract being value $28.6 million.
The transfer was a giant dedication from possession, which can pay the luxurious tax for the primary time for the reason that 2019-20 season. Based on ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Wolves’ luxurious tax invoice went up from $56 to $84 million subsequent season with the commerce for Dillingham.
With extensions to Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and Karl-Anthony Cities approaching the books this season, Connelly, who dealt the staff’s 2025, ’27 and ’29 picks to Utah for Rudy Gobert, swung for the fences with the one little bit of first-round draft capital he needed to deal within the ’31 decide.
The Wolves’ capacity to maneuver their 2032 decide was about to be frozen beneath the foundations of exceeding the second apron of the luxurious tax. The Wolves rendered that moot by buying and selling the 2031 decide, since groups cannot deal first-round picks in consecutive years anyway. The Wolves additionally will not have the ability to signal gamers (besides their very own free brokers) to something moreover minimal contracts as soon as free company opens, per second apron guidelines. So considered one of their lone avenues for locating an influence participant who may also help them now and within the subsequent few years was to make a splash on this draft.
Amongst Dillingham’s strengths are his quickness and his capturing; he has a quick launch and could be a good finisher across the rim and is shifty in his capacity to get previous defenders.
His weaknesses are on the defensive finish of the ground, and his skinny body (6-2, 164 kilos) make him weak to assault on that finish of the ground. However the Wolves may have the ability to discover a technique to compensate, as they’d the league’s No. 1 protection in 2023-24.
“I really feel like I am fast and I can get previous dudes,” Dillingham mentioned. “… You are enjoying with a bunch of NBA gamers, so gamers cannot actually assist off loads as a result of these are NBA gamers they usually knock down photographs. Getting previous my defender and making performs with my teammates shall be approach simpler, and if they do not assist, it is only a bucket.”
Dillingham can also work on decreasing his turnover charge after he averaged two per sport in 23 minutes with Kentucky.
Shannon, 23, was a third-team All-America final season, staying on the staff after suing for his proper to proceed enjoying whereas the authorized course of performed out. He averaged 23 factors per sport for the Illini, who gained the Large Ten match at Goal Middle. Shannon performed 5 seasons in school, the primary three at Texas Tech.
His strengths embody his capacity to drive to the rim and use his energy to get there. That energy additionally permits him to get to the free-throw line at a excessive charge (8.6 makes an attempt per sport final season). His weaknesses embody a low launch level and a shot that may nonetheless use some work in enhancing effectivity (35% profession three-point shooter).
The “second apron” of the wage cap is about to clamp down on the Timberwolves this offseason and restrict how they’ll reshape their roster.
So through the first spherical of the NBA draft Wednesday, Wolves President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly took benefit of one of many solely remaining levers he may pull to improve a staff he and possession imagine is a championship contender.
Connelly swung a commerce, his third in three drafts with the staff, and dealt the one future first-round draft decide he may beneath NBA guidelines to the San Antonio Spurs to seize the No. 8 decide and choose Kentucky combo guard Rob Dillingham.
Dillingham can present one thing the Wolves have been missing at instances within the playoffs: instantaneous offense. To make the transfer, the Wolves gave up a 2031 unprotected first-round decide and a protected 2030 decide swap.
“Enjoying with Anthony Edwards and the entire Timberwolves. … it is actually only a blessing as a result of I get to study from a whole lot of gamers and veterans which might be actual good,” Dillingham mentioned. “Them serving to me is only a plus for me.”
The Wolves nonetheless held on to the No. 27 decide within the deal, and with that took Illinois wing Terrence Shannon Jr., who also can add scoring prowess off the bench.
The 6-7 Shannon performed final season whereas awaiting path for rape and sexual assault stemming from an incident in a bar in Kansas in September. A jury acquitted Shannon earlier this month after a week-long trial in Kansas.
Dillingham, 19, averaged 15.2 factors per sport whereas capturing 44% from three-point vary as a freshman and may have a task with the Wolves immediately off the bench given the Wolves’ want for scoring pop.
The transfer was a loud-throated declaration from the group that the Wolves really feel their likelihood to win a championship is subsequent season, and maybe for a couple of years after, as they sacrificed extra future draft capital, albeit six and 7 years away. That does not matter to a staff that feels on the doorstep of profitable a title.
Dillingham will make barely lower than $6.3 million subsequent season as a part of the rookie-scale contract, with the whole worth of his contract being value $28.6 million.
The transfer was a giant dedication from possession, which can pay the luxurious tax for the primary time for the reason that 2019-20 season. Based on ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Wolves’ luxurious tax invoice went up from $56 to $84 million subsequent season with the commerce for Dillingham.
With extensions to Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and Karl-Anthony Cities approaching the books this season, Connelly, who dealt the staff’s 2025, ’27 and ’29 picks to Utah for Rudy Gobert, swung for the fences with the one little bit of first-round draft capital he needed to deal within the ’31 decide.
The Wolves’ capacity to maneuver their 2032 decide was about to be frozen beneath the foundations of exceeding the second apron of the luxurious tax. The Wolves rendered that moot by buying and selling the 2031 decide, since groups cannot deal first-round picks in consecutive years anyway. The Wolves additionally will not have the ability to signal gamers (besides their very own free brokers) to something moreover minimal contracts as soon as free company opens, per second apron guidelines. So considered one of their lone avenues for locating an influence participant who may also help them now and within the subsequent few years was to make a splash on this draft.
Amongst Dillingham’s strengths are his quickness and his capturing; he has a quick launch and could be a good finisher across the rim and is shifty in his capacity to get previous defenders.
His weaknesses are on the defensive finish of the ground, and his skinny body (6-2, 164 kilos) make him weak to assault on that finish of the ground. However the Wolves may have the ability to discover a technique to compensate, as they’d the league’s No. 1 protection in 2023-24.
“I really feel like I am fast and I can get previous dudes,” Dillingham mentioned. “… You are enjoying with a bunch of NBA gamers, so gamers cannot actually assist off loads as a result of these are NBA gamers they usually knock down photographs. Getting previous my defender and making performs with my teammates shall be approach simpler, and if they do not assist, it is only a bucket.”
Dillingham can also work on decreasing his turnover charge after he averaged two per sport in 23 minutes with Kentucky.
Shannon, 23, was a third-team All-America final season, staying on the staff after suing for his proper to proceed enjoying whereas the authorized course of performed out. He averaged 23 factors per sport for the Illini, who gained the Large Ten match at Goal Middle. Shannon performed 5 seasons in school, the primary three at Texas Tech.
His strengths embody his capacity to drive to the rim and use his energy to get there. That energy additionally permits him to get to the free-throw line at a excessive charge (8.6 makes an attempt per sport final season). His weaknesses embody a low launch level and a shot that may nonetheless use some work in enhancing effectivity (35% profession three-point shooter).
The “second apron” of the wage cap is about to clamp down on the Timberwolves this offseason and restrict how they’ll reshape their roster.
So through the first spherical of the NBA draft Wednesday, Wolves President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly took benefit of one of many solely remaining levers he may pull to improve a staff he and possession imagine is a championship contender.
Connelly swung a commerce, his third in three drafts with the staff, and dealt the one future first-round draft decide he may beneath NBA guidelines to the San Antonio Spurs to seize the No. 8 decide and choose Kentucky combo guard Rob Dillingham.
Dillingham can present one thing the Wolves have been missing at instances within the playoffs: instantaneous offense. To make the transfer, the Wolves gave up a 2031 unprotected first-round decide and a protected 2030 decide swap.
“Enjoying with Anthony Edwards and the entire Timberwolves. … it is actually only a blessing as a result of I get to study from a whole lot of gamers and veterans which might be actual good,” Dillingham mentioned. “Them serving to me is only a plus for me.”
The Wolves nonetheless held on to the No. 27 decide within the deal, and with that took Illinois wing Terrence Shannon Jr., who also can add scoring prowess off the bench.
The 6-7 Shannon performed final season whereas awaiting path for rape and sexual assault stemming from an incident in a bar in Kansas in September. A jury acquitted Shannon earlier this month after a week-long trial in Kansas.
Dillingham, 19, averaged 15.2 factors per sport whereas capturing 44% from three-point vary as a freshman and may have a task with the Wolves immediately off the bench given the Wolves’ want for scoring pop.
The transfer was a loud-throated declaration from the group that the Wolves really feel their likelihood to win a championship is subsequent season, and maybe for a couple of years after, as they sacrificed extra future draft capital, albeit six and 7 years away. That does not matter to a staff that feels on the doorstep of profitable a title.
Dillingham will make barely lower than $6.3 million subsequent season as a part of the rookie-scale contract, with the whole worth of his contract being value $28.6 million.
The transfer was a giant dedication from possession, which can pay the luxurious tax for the primary time for the reason that 2019-20 season. Based on ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Wolves’ luxurious tax invoice went up from $56 to $84 million subsequent season with the commerce for Dillingham.
With extensions to Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and Karl-Anthony Cities approaching the books this season, Connelly, who dealt the staff’s 2025, ’27 and ’29 picks to Utah for Rudy Gobert, swung for the fences with the one little bit of first-round draft capital he needed to deal within the ’31 decide.
The Wolves’ capacity to maneuver their 2032 decide was about to be frozen beneath the foundations of exceeding the second apron of the luxurious tax. The Wolves rendered that moot by buying and selling the 2031 decide, since groups cannot deal first-round picks in consecutive years anyway. The Wolves additionally will not have the ability to signal gamers (besides their very own free brokers) to something moreover minimal contracts as soon as free company opens, per second apron guidelines. So considered one of their lone avenues for locating an influence participant who may also help them now and within the subsequent few years was to make a splash on this draft.
Amongst Dillingham’s strengths are his quickness and his capturing; he has a quick launch and could be a good finisher across the rim and is shifty in his capacity to get previous defenders.
His weaknesses are on the defensive finish of the ground, and his skinny body (6-2, 164 kilos) make him weak to assault on that finish of the ground. However the Wolves may have the ability to discover a technique to compensate, as they’d the league’s No. 1 protection in 2023-24.
“I really feel like I am fast and I can get previous dudes,” Dillingham mentioned. “… You are enjoying with a bunch of NBA gamers, so gamers cannot actually assist off loads as a result of these are NBA gamers they usually knock down photographs. Getting previous my defender and making performs with my teammates shall be approach simpler, and if they do not assist, it is only a bucket.”
Dillingham can also work on decreasing his turnover charge after he averaged two per sport in 23 minutes with Kentucky.
Shannon, 23, was a third-team All-America final season, staying on the staff after suing for his proper to proceed enjoying whereas the authorized course of performed out. He averaged 23 factors per sport for the Illini, who gained the Large Ten match at Goal Middle. Shannon performed 5 seasons in school, the primary three at Texas Tech.
His strengths embody his capacity to drive to the rim and use his energy to get there. That energy additionally permits him to get to the free-throw line at a excessive charge (8.6 makes an attempt per sport final season). His weaknesses embody a low launch level and a shot that may nonetheless use some work in enhancing effectivity (35% profession three-point shooter).