More NBA trade proposals come up as teams try to plug holes in the roster and find better fits.
Ricky Rubio has been part of the trade rumor mill since Kevin Love departed as he is perceived to be impatient to win. Minnesota is gathering some special young talent but they are definitely in the rebuilding phase.
There were already rumblings of Rubio being on the Pacers' radar since late 2014 when Paul George was injured. Grantland featured some possible trade destinations for the Spanish point guard and Indiana was a prime landing spot because of his defense.
With his ball-hawk skills (2.3 steals per game last season), Rubio actually fits into the Pacers' defense-first philosophy," Grantland cited. "If there were ever a Larry Bird reclamation project, Rubio is it. If he can turn Stephenson into a borderline All-Star, imagine what he can do with Rubio."
Recently, a trade sending Rubio to the Pacers was seen as beneficial to the Minnesota Timberwolves as presented by Dunking With Wolves. They see George Hill as a possible payoff and the veteran can be a stabilizing presence for its young stars.
"Hill has been the most consistent player on the Pacers' roster the last four years. When Lance Stephenson wasn't performing, Hill was. When Paul George was out most of last year, Hill stepped in and scored 16 points per game. Hill would be an interesting point guard to plug into the Wolves system."
Still, Ricky Rubio himself believes no trade is likely to happen, as he told Gulf News: "I have confidence that the team wants me but you know in this league anybody can get traded," he stated. "You don't listen to the rumors. You just live day-by-day and that's it."
That is true. He is a Minnesota Timberwolf until the right offer comes along.