Ricky Rubio (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Minnesota Timberwolves drafting Kris Dunn as fifth overall could signal the end of Ricky Rubio's tenure in Minny.
There are speculations around the league that Rubio would likely be the odd man out of Minnesota if the team select Dunn in the 2016 NBA draft.
With Dunn joining the Timberwolves already came into fruition, the team could explore trading Rubio, who has reportedly demanded Minnesota a trade if they do not reach the playoffs next season. According to John Buhler of Sports Illustrated's Fansided, the Chicago Bulls could be a potential destination for Rubio, with the team needing a starting point guard to replace Derrick Rose.
"After sending former MVP point guard and native Chicagoan Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks, the Chicago Bulls have a glaring need a starting point guard. Yes, Chicago is probably going to rebuild, but Jose Calderon and Tony Snell aren't good enough to lead the Bulls to an improbable playoff berth in 2017," Buhler wrote.
Buhler believes the Bulls would get a perfect deal by trading for Rubio, a pass-first point guard who would play "more cohesively" with Jimmy Butler. Rubio could also maximize the Bulls' loaded frontcourt lineup thru devastating pick-and-rolls and provide the needed speed and court vision to push the pace of Chicago's offense.
In the trade scenario, the Timberwolves could ask for a frontcourt piece in exchange for the dime-dropping Spanish point guard. Taj Gibson seems the most likely trade piece, having been played for Tom Thibodeau during their days together in Chicago.
Gibson, who averaged 8.6 points and 6.9 assists with the Bulls last season, still has plenty left to offer albeit on a role coming off the bench. The 31-year-old forward could take some minutes off Karl-Anthony Towns and provide another veteran leadership to Minny's core of young talents.
With the Bulls seemingly attempting to rebuild in the offseason, they can afford to lose Gibson, especially after acquiring Robin Lopez from the Rose to the New York Knicks blockbuster trade. It has signaled Chicago's step towards a new era, and acquiring a talented point guard in Ricky Rubio could be the next move the Bulls may consider.
