Minnesota Timberwolves' Ricky Rubio (L) and New York Knicks' Jose Calderon. (Photo : Reuters)
Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks continue their rebuilding push as latest trade rumors indicate a swap between their veteran playmaker Jose Calderon with fellow Spaniard Ricky Rubio of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Speculations regarding the potential deal have actually emerged since New York traded Tim Hardaway Jr. for 2015 19th overall pick Jerian Grant more than two months ago.
Knicks officials were reportedly not sold about their point guard rotation of Calderon, Grant, and second-year undrafted pro Langston Galloway, which prompted them to look for other options elsewhere, via Inquisitr.
When Minnesota traded for the Cavaliers' 24th overall selection Tyus Jones after the draft and then signed 16-year veteran free agent Andre Miller in late July, rumors of Rubio's exit had reached its fever pitch and the Knicks are said to be the potential landing spot for the 24-year-old Barcelona native.
It was reported that Wolves president and head coach Flip Saunders was intending to make Jones their point guard of the future with Miller guiding him and Zach LaVine spelling off the bench, supposedly leaving Rubio out of the plan.
Meanwhile, Wolves general manager Milt Newton doused all speculations as he insisted that Rubio will not be traded and is considered an "integral part" of their team this coming season.
"We're not talking to anybody about trading Ricky," said Newton, as reported by ESPN. "We expect Ricky to be an integral part of our team this season. We expect him to be here come training camp and leading our team."
Still, NBA enthusiasts could not refute the possibility of this trade especially if the 19-year-old Jones shows immediate promise during the team's training camp and preseason games.
