Yes, it’s just his second year, and he just turned 21 years old. Still, it’s fairly evident that Rob Dillingham would benefit from moving on from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
It just hasn’t worked out for the team and the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Reports have come out that the Timberwolves are willing to deal Dillingham by the February 5 trade deadline. The Sacramento Kings seem like a team that should take a chance on the young point guard.
The Kings will likely deal some backcourt pieces and free up room for Dillingham to play
Rob needs a spot where he can play. Certainly, that’s not with the Timberwolves, where he has been out of the rotation for over a month. Before that, many of his outings consisted of single-digit minutes.
There can be a role for him on the Kings, who can use more youthful talent. They have won three in a row, but at 11-30, Sacramento still sits seven games out of a Play-in Tournament slot.
With the Kings being so far out of contention, numerous backcourt players on the team could be dealt. Keon Ellis seems like one of the more likely players in the league to change addresses. Malik Monk, the runner-up for 2023-24 Sixth Man of the Year, recently had a three-game stretch of not leaving the bench.
Dennis Schroder just completed a three-game suspension, and at 32 years old, doesn’t fit on a rebuilding Kings team. Likewise for the 37-year-old Russell Westbrook.
A change of scenery is needed
It’s almost a guarantee that the Kings’ roster will look much different by February 5 in what has been a very disappointing season for them. By that time, it may become more important to play the less-experienced guys to further develop them.
There shouldn’t be as much of a backcourt logjam in Sacramento after the deadline. Dillingham could get ample playing time and not have to fear being taken out each time he makes a mistake.
A change of scenery is needed for Dillingham at this point. Yes, the Timberwolves won't get as much as they gave up to acquire the eighth pick in 2024, but they need to realize it just isn't working out. In his 32 outings this year, Dillingham is averaging just 3.6 points while shooting 33.8% from the field, and he has just one game where he received at least 20 minutes.