Ricky Rubio of the Minnesota Timberwolves is in trade rumors again with yet another destination.
The Ricky Rubio trade rumors continue, just as it ignited after Kevin Love was traded and the Timberwolves went into full rebuild move.
The rumors will not stop and the fans seem to have no choice but to live with it. One of the rationales for the trade discussion is that the future of the Timberwolves is Andrew Wiggins and Rubio might be better off with a team looking to contend.
A fanpost by Fotiou C.K. on Canis Hoopus has Rubio going to the Chicago Bulls. This is a rather strange destination as most teams on the rumor mill, like the New York Knicks have a need for point guard.
In the proposed trade, Rubio and Giorgui Dieng will move to the Bulls and Joakim Noah and first round pick Bobby Portis will move to the Timberwolves.
Joakim Noah? He's been a pillar of the Bulls since his career started. But the contention is that Noah has not been jelling with Pau Gasol, as seen in the dip in his play last season (although he was also injured). In Minnesota, he can be the "big brother" to whip Karl Anthony Towns into shape.
Rubio, meanwhile, offers insurance in case Derrick Rose gets injured, but they can also have both of them play together with Rose in a scoring capacity. The Bulls may prefer to run small with Pau Gasol at the slot and Taj Gibson or Nikola Mirotic at the four and Jimmy Butler at small forward. Giorgui Dieng will cover the reserve center slot.
The salaries would match, but the transaction does not offer much else. It is also a stretch for the Bulls to trade Noah when Taj Gibson seems to be the more logical trade chip.
Another Minnesota blog, A Wolf Among Wolves, contends that the trade rumors have to stop once and for all. "The problem stems more from the speculation that spreads like wildfire after a report is released, rather than considering what sense (none) trading Rubio would make," the site stated.
They concede that it was possible that calls were made, but that is routine for NBA executives. The Wolves are expected to improve, but they are not under any pressure to make the playoffs, so they can hold on to Rubio until the right offer is made.