Ricky Rubio may find himself on the trading block this season if the backcourt duo of Kris Dunn and Zach Lavine proves more effective for the Minnesota Timberwolves this season.
Rubio was at the center of trade talks earlier this summer after the Spanish playmaker hinted of possibly leaving Minnesota if the team won't make it to the postseason. Things may have changed for Rubio after admitting in a recent interview during the Timberwolves' media day that he does not want to get traded, but rather play in a winning team.
"I didn't say I wanted to get traded," Rubio said, reports the Star Tribune. "I want to play with a winner. I think we have the right mentality. It's changing."
Tom Thibodeau's arrival as the Wolves' new head coach may have changed Rubio's stance of joining a contender, but even if Minnesota would overachieve this season and reach the playoffs, Rubio could still be on the trading block if the team's rotation of guards prove more effective for Thibs.
There is no denying Rubio's skills as a point guard. Rubio, who has career averages of 10.1 points and 8.3 assists per game, can easily find open teammates on the break and look for open shooters. While Rubio's jump shot still needs to improve, his overall game covers up any of his shooting flaws.
If the Timberwolves would trade Rubio, there would surely be plenty of possible destinations for the former fifth overall pick. Here are five potential landing spots where Rubio could finally have a legit shot of playing in the postseason.
Sacramento Kings
NBA reporter Mitch Lawrence claimed on Sirius XM Radio that the Kings were looking to trade for a point guard, with many believing the target as Rubio. While a trade seems off now for the Kings, it remains a possibility if Sacramento truly wants to keep DeMarcus Cousins pleased.
Rubio should instantly improve the Kings' offense. With plenty of young talented big men in their roster, adding Rubio would help maximize the potential of Skal Labissiere and Georgios Papagiannis. Pairing Rubio with Cousins would also create a deadly pick-and-roll offense.
Dealing Rubio for Rudy Gay could work for both teams as the Wolves need a veteran to guide the team's youngsters. Gay could also serve as a mentor to Andrew Wiggins and play major minutes off the bench.
The Kings are probably an exception to those teams with a winning culture, considering the dysfunction of the franchise in the past few seasons. But the arrival of Dave Joerger, who managed to wheel the Memphis Grizzlies into the playoffs despite having a depleted lineup, should somehow change the team's approach this season.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers could also be a potential landing spot for Rubio, with the defending champs needing a boost to keep their back-to-back title hopes alive.
The Cavs still have their core roster intact heading into the 2016-2017 regular season. They were able to secure LeBron James to three more years and are expected bring back free agent JR Smith. With most of their key players still in the roster, the Cavs should still emerge as one of the top teams in the league. However, against the Golden State Warriors' super team, the Cavs may not be deep enough to fend off the Warriors' threat.
Adding Rubio would give the Cavs a solid backup for Kyrie Irving. After sending Matthew Dellavedova to the Bucks via sign-and-trade, the Cavs could use another solid ball-handler off the bench. A deal involving Iman Shumpert could be an enticing package for the Wolves, who lack depth at the shooting guard position.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets plan to give James Harden the playmaking duties this season as confirmed by the team's new head coach Mike D'Antoni. It is unclear how such move would affect D'Antoni's offense, but the Rockets should consider an alternative if their experiment won't yield good results.
Rubio's skills would suit well in D'Antoni's up-tempo offense. His ability to immediately see open teammates in fastbreak situations would give Houston a legit floor commander to take some pressure off Harden and Patrick Beverly.
The Timberwolves could ask for Corey Brewer and KJ McDaniels for Rubio, giving Minny another veteran wing and an athletic shooting guard to backup Wiggins.
San Antonio Spurs
If there is one team that would truly fit with Rubio's style of play, it would probably the San Antonio Spurs.
The Spurs are known for their ball-movement, which is tailored for Rubio's pass-first game. With Tony Parker probably nearing the end of his career, the Spurs could add another international point guard to fill the void Parker would leave. Joining the Spurs would also give Rubio a chance to play with compatriot and Team Spain teammate Pau Gasol, whom Rubio attempted to recruit during the offseason.
However, there aren't any players in the Spurs' roster that would likely convince the Timberwolves to part ways with Rubio. Nevertheless, it would be intriguing to see Rubio join one of the most consistent winning team in the league.
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