Jeff Teague #0 of the Atlanta Hawks defends against Ricky Rubio #9 of the Minnesota Timberwolves at Philips Arena on November 9, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo : Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Ricky Rubio could find himself changing zip codes this summer, as recent NBA trade rumors revealed that the savvy playmaker could be dealt to another team this offseason. Talks about a potential trade involving Rubio intensified after the 2016 NBA Draft on Thursday in Brooklyn.
Rubio, who has spent his entire five-year NBA career in Minnesota, is the projected starting point guard for the Timberwolves next season. However, the Timberwolves might eventually move the Spaniard this summer after selecting Providence point guard Kris Dunn in the 2016 Rookie Draft, Twin Cities Pioneer Press reported.
Minnesota had a chance to address their need for a shooting guard on Thursday but opted to bring in another point guard. While the selection came as a surprise to fans, NBA analysts were not shocked, knowing that Tom Thibodeau loves defensive-minded players like Dunn.
Thibodeau, who was named Timberwolves head coach and president of basketball operations in April, sounded like he is ready to roll with the Rubio-Dunn backcourt duo. While the tandem could have problems scoring, Thibodeau believes they can play together and provide toughness to their team.
"I think they have good size, they have good toughness," Thibodeau said of Rubio and Dunn. "It's a different look. I think you're seeing that more and more now, where you have two point guards on the floor."
Rubio to Chicago Bulls?
But in the event the Timberwolves eventually decide to trade Rubio, the Bulls could be his next destination. The Bulls are looking for a new playmaker after parting ways with Derrick Rose.
Rose was sent to the New York Knicks along with Justin Holiday and a 2017 second-round pick in exchange for Robin Lopez, Jerian Grant and Jose Calderon. With Rose out, the Bulls will try to fill in the gap the former NBA Most Valuable Player left via trades or free agency this summer.
The Bulls and the Timberwolves had sat down this summer to discuss possible trades but have yet to find a common ground. Minnesota tried to trade for Jimmy Butler using their fifth overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, which they used to select Dunn on Thursday, ESPN reported. The two teams are expected to revisit talks in the coming weeks.
Rubio, the fifth overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, still has two years left on his contract with the Timberwolves. The 25-year-old point guard averaged 10.1 points and 8.6 assists to go along with 4.3 rebounds and 2.1 steals in 76 games last season.
Watch some of Rubio's dazzling passes below.
