The Minnesota Timberwolves have officially exercised the third-year options for guards Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr., solidifying their financial commitments for the upcoming 2026/27 season. The announcement, made through a press release, ensures that Dillingham will earn $6,889,320, while Shannon’s salary will be $2,801,640. Following the conclusion of the season, both players will have the opportunity to seek rookie scale extensions.
Rob Dillingham, selected eighth overall out of Kentucky in last year’s draft, played 49 games during his rookie season. He averaged 4.5 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, with shooting percentages of 44.1% from the field and 33.8% from three-point range. Meanwhile, Terrence Shannon Jr., drafted 27th from Illinois, appeared in 32 games, contributing 4.3 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in about 10.6 minutes of playing time, showcasing shooting stats of .482 from the field, .355 from beyond the arc, and .810 from the free throw line.
With an aging veteran presence like Mike Conley, who is 38 years old, along with the departure of Nickeil Alexander-Walker in free agency, both Dillingham and Shannon are expected to play more significant roles this season. This shift not only emphasizes the Timberwolves’ commitment to developing their younger talents but also seeks to manage the team dynamics more effectively.
As the league approaches the deadline for 2026/27 rookie scale option decisions, which fall on October 31, the Timberwolves are positioning themselves strategically for the future by investing in promising young players. This move illustrates a vision for sustainable growth within the roster.