Ricky Rubio (Photo : REUTERS)
More trade rumors and speculation involve the Minnesota Timberwolves, suddenly the NBA's most promising team.
The T-Wolves may have the biggest changes among any other team in the offseason because of the era of Tom Thibodeau.
The only question is the extent of the changes and who are the players that will make the cut. Andrew Wiggins and Karl Anthony Towns are predicted locks but beyond that, no one seems to be safe.
Ricky Rubio is one of the biggest question marks. Rubio is a competent, pass-first point guard that can provide satisfactory defense. However, he does not offer the skill that has become a premium in the NBA in the past few years: three-point shooting.
The team is filled with size and athleticism but not a lot of shooting. They traded away Kevin Martin, a veteran shooter and according to rumors, they wanted to swap Rubio for Khris Middleton of the Milwaukee Bucks but the Bucks refused as SB Nation recalled when they explored the long-term prospects of the Spaniard.
While this is pure speculation, Tom Ziller's take was that Rubio's "defensive excellence seems custom-made for Thibodeau." He did note that the Wolves need shooting, and that is something Thibs would probably address. If they can acquire a shooter without trading Rubio, he would probably stay.
In Sir Charles In Charge, Rubio was considered a tough trade because of his contract but there are teams who need point guards like the two teams in New York and even the Bucks, but they would have to accept that they won't get someone like Middleton in return.
The Knicks would be a great destination for him as he could definitely fit with Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis. He can jumpstart the offense with his penetration and he could make the Latvian sensation better with his lob passes. The only problem is that they don't have much to offer Thibodeau.
One team that does have assets that Thibs would like is the Chicago Bulls. A Jimmy Butler for Rubio trade has made the rumor mill before and it could still be workable if the Wolves add their fifth overall draft pick. Rubio and Rose could play well together with the former MVP attacking the basket more.
It's unlikely that Thibodeau will trade Rubio for the sake of trading him. He would pull the trigger only if it would fill a more urgent need. But if not, Thibs could definitely find a place for him in the rotation.
