Ricky Rubio (Photo : Getty Images / Rocky Widner)
The NBA trade rumors continue as some teams like the Sacramento Kings failed to address their teams pressing needs even after the draft and free agency.
The offseason is still long and there will still be trades to help teams streamline their rosters. The Kings still lack a starting point guard that could be better than Darren Collison, who would be the team's option at this time with the departure of Rajon Rondo in free agency.
While the Minnesota Timberwolves recently announced that they are not trading Ricky Rubio, it was often followed by the phrase "for now." Most pundits have the impression that Coach Tom Thibodeau might not be sold on Rubio as Minnesota's point guard of the future, but he will give him a chance.
Still, the Wolves drafted a point guard, Kris Dunn who had a great performance at Summer League. They also have Tyus Jones and Zach LaVine was also fielded as a point guard last season.
In a video feature at Sports Illustrated, their NBA editor Matt Dollinger cited five trade scenarios. One of them was the Minnesota Timberwolves trading Ricky Rubio to the Sacramento Kings. While it was mentioned that Wolves GM Scott Layden assured that they won't trade Rubio, Dollinger interpreted that as "trying to increase the trade value."
Dollinger also reasoned that rookie Kris Dunn is "ready to contribute" and possible even take the starting job. That would be a stretch considering how Thibs often trusts veterans over rookies, but perhaps Dunn was really impressive. Dunn is also 22 years old, older and more experienced than the 19 year-olds drafted ahead of him.
The Sacramento Kings have placed Rudy Gay, Ben McLemore and Kosta Koufos on the trading block and trading Rubio could easily net them any of those players and possibly future draft considerations. Dollinger thinks Gay could help the Timberwolves as a wing scorer and even as a small-ball stretch four, a role that he has taken with the Kings.
Hoops Habit also suggested trading Rubio to the Kings but they recommended Ben McLemore as the piece in return. Either way, the Wolves and the Kings have a logical deal to be made between them.
