Ricky Rubio (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Sacramento Kings have reportedly maintained consistent interest in trading for Ricky Rubio, and Sactown may just have the right piece to orchestrate a deal.
Ricky Rubio could be the most ideal trade target for the Sacramento Kings, who is dire need of a talented playmaker. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, the Kings have "maintained a consistent interest in Rubio for months," but have yet to create a trade package that could entice Minnesota to let go of the Spanish playmaker.
"The Kings have maintained a consistent interest in Rubio for months, although it's unclear whether Sacramento has the makings of a trade package that would appeal to the Timberwolves. Sacramento has been determined to find a young point guard to run its team," Wojnarowski wrote.
Rubio is a perfect fit for the Kings in all facet of his game. Rubio, who has career averages of 10.1 points and 8.3 assists per game, would give the Kings a pass-first point guard who can maximize DeMarcus Cousins' immense talent. While Rubio isn't known for his shooting skills, it can certainly improve playing under Dave Joerger's system.
It may not be too difficult for the Kings to acquire Rubio, with Sacramento having plenty of tradable assets at their disposal. Trading Rudy Gay, who full intends to explore free agency next summer, would easily work under the NBA salary guidelines. The 30-year-old would add veteran presence to a young Timberwolves team, although there is a huge chance he could be a one-year rental for Minny.
The Kings could also dangle in Ben McLemore in any potential deal. McLemore, who averaged 9.7 points per game last season, would give the Timberwolves another scoring option and depth at the shooting guard position. The 23-year-old shooting guard is unlikely to agree on a rookie scale contract extension with the Kings, which would make him a restricted free agent in the summer of 2017. If he could fit well in Minnesota, the team could match any offers to retain him come free agency.
Kosta Koufos, Ben McLemore and, of course, Rudy Gay are three Sacramento Kings available via trade, according to league sources
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 8, 2016
The Kings are expected to keep hold of their tradable assets and see how the team would fare this season under Joerger's helm. But if everything goes haywire for the Kings once again, trading for Rubio should be one of their top options.
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