The NBA trade rumors regarding Ricky Rubio being sent to the Sacramento Kings are heating up.
The Kings need a point guard. While they have repeatedly mentioned that they are content with Darren Collison for the time being, the former UCLA standout may not even be available as he faces possible suspension from his domestic violence case.
With or without Collison in the starting lineup on opening day, the Kings need a point guard, even a starter as Collison was effective in a reserve role when Rondo was around.
Minneapolis news reporter Darren Wolfson was recently quoted in his radio show (transcribed by NBC) commenting on the Rubio to Sacramento rumors.
"As (Minnesota Timberwolves team owner) Glen Taylor said on this podcast a couple episodes ago, Ricky Rubio will start the season with the Wolves. But I can tell you, as I've said a number of times, the Sacramento Kings are a team to watch. Vlade Divac, George Karl, now George Karl into Dave Joerger. Keep an eye on the Sacramento Kings if slash when the Wolves decide to make a move on Ricky. But, again, nothing is imminent. Ricky Rubio will be with the Wolves opening night."
As expected, Taylor would not diminish his player's trade value by admitting that Rubio's on the block. Instead, he would drum up interest for him. What we do know is that the Timberwolves drafted a point guard in Kris Dunn and also has Tyus Jones while developing Zach LaVine into a ballhandler.
The Sacramento Kings can offer Rudy Gay and even Ben McLemore to the Minnesota Timberwolves. They have been willing to trade those players for more than a month now.
There is a possibility that the Kings have another player in mind. Eric Bledsoe of the Phoenix Suns has been on the rumor mill since June, according to NBA Draft.net.
Bledsoe was a college teammate of DeMarcus Cousins and he is also a scoring guard. If the Kings had its way, they would rather chase Bledsoe than Rubio. If the rumor about Bledsoe's availability holds, Kings GM Divac might be on it.
The Suns would also want to trade one of their high scoring guards. They want last season's star rookie Devin Booker to develop into his full potential, and Bledsoe's minutes may come in handy.