The New York Knicks' discontent of their point guard rotation is reportedly pushing its front office to search for a much-needed upgrade on the trading block, with Minnesota Timberwolves playmaker Ricky Rubio sitting atop the list of their targets.
Boston Globe writer Gary Washburn wrote about the Timberwolves slowly running out of patience with Rubio as their starting point guard, adding that he won't be surprised if rookie playmaker Tyrus Jones takes his role sooner or later.
The rumors on Rubio being traded aren't new, but it gains a lot more momentum between now and the next trade deadline following Washburn's report.
According to International sports portal Sportando, the Knicks are interested in Rubio as they believe he's an instant upgrade over Jose Calderon, Langston Galloway and rookie Jerian Grant at the point guard spot.
"The New York Knicks are looking for an upgrade in the PG position and Ricky Rubio is one of their targets. Phil Jackson is not [satisfied] with his current PG's (Calderon, Jerian Grant and Langston Galloway) and Rubio may be an interesting option for the team.
The Spanish point-guard is under contract with Minnesota until 2019 and a trade seems unlikely in this moment but if Rubio will continue to struggle, every scenario could be possible."
Breaking Down Rubio for Calderon Swap:
Sports World Report cooked up a potential deal that would send Rubio to the Knicks in exchange for Calderon.
Rubio would make his presence felt with the Knickerbockers right away because of his incredible court vision and high-basketball I.Q - the skills-set Phil Jackson always wants from his playmaker.
On the other hand, Calderon would give the baby Wolves another veteran voice in the locker room next to Andre Miller and Kevin Garnett. His stats took a dive last season (9.1 ppg and 4.7 apg), but he's an upgrade from Rubio in terms of long distance shooting, boasting 41 percent shooting from beyond the arc over his career.
Analysis of the Proposed Deal:
Although it has big upside for both teams, it's unlikely they will pull the trigger right away on this trade at this time of the year. The Knicks are restricted to trade the free-agents they signed this offseason until December 14, limiting their ability to match Rubio's $12 million contract.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves aren't going to let Rubio walk away without exerting effort to get the best offer out there. Also, Rubio will have all the opportunity in the world in the first four months of the 2015-16 season to prove that he can take this young Wolves team to playoff contention after years of shortcomings. Having said all of that, this deal is unlikely to happen, at least for now.