Ricky Rubio (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Minnesota Timberwolves could trade Ricky Rubio to the Sacramento Kings in a three-way deal involving the Indiana Pacers shooting guard Monta Ellis.
The Timberwolves have been adamant about keeping hold Rubio this season, with team owner Glen Taylor insisting that moving the Spanish playmaker is unlikely at this point. However, according to Darren Wolfson of ESPN 1500, Rubio may still end up getting shipped to the Kings, especially if Kris Dunn elevates his play by midseason.
The Kings' need to address their poor point guard situation and the intentions to move Rudy Gay could make such deal possible. Rubio, who has career averages of 10.1 points and 8.3 assists, would perfectly fit playing alongside All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins, creating one of the deadliest pick-and-roll offense in the league.
Many believe that Gay would be the expendable piece for the Kings in acquiring Rubio, but the Timberwolves may consider a shooting guard in return. Currently, only Andrew Wiggins is listed as the lone shooting guard of the team, and while Zach Lavine is expected to step in and play as an off guard, the said position still lacks depth.
One possible trade target the Timberwolves may consider is Monta Ellis, who has also been on the trading block this offseason.
In the three-way trade scenario that works on ESPN's trade machine, the Wolves would send Rubio to the Kings, while getting Ellis from the Pacers, who then acquire Kosta Koufos and Ben McLemore from Sacramento.
Rubio would address the Kings' need of a bona fide playmaker, while Ellis gives the Timberwolves a veteran shooting guard who could contribute off the bench and serve as mentor to the team's young backcourt.
The Pacers, on the other hand, would get to address the need of a backup center in Koufos after losing a handful if big men in free agency. Adding McLemore, who averaged 7.8 points for the Kings last season, would also give the Pacers an off-guard who could play effectively even without the ball in his hands.
While it is unclear whether the Timberwolves have a genuine interest in acquiring Ellis, Indiana's willingness to part ways with the 30-year-old shooting guard could make this trade scenario into fruition. It isn't a bad deal for the Kings either as they have the chance to be competitive this season, while keeping Cousins pleased.
