Ricky Rubio (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly willing to move Ricky Rubio before the February 2017 trade deadline.
The Timberwolves are poised to make a deal prior to the trade deadline, with the team looking to deal Rubio and Shabazz Muhammad to several teams around the league. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, the Wolves are looking to acquire in return a "bridge" guard, who could start as PG for the team in the short term, but ultimately settle for a backup role once Kris Dunn is ready to become the team's top playmaker.
Rubio is the highest paid player in Minny, but the 26-year-old point guard is only averaging 7.9 points per game on 37.3 percent shooting from the field. However, the Spanish playmaker is still considered as one of the best passers in the league as proof to his 7.9 assists a game this season.
Trading Rubio, who is making $13.5 million this season and will be owed $29 million through the end of his contract in 2019, could prove difficult for the Wolves. But there are notable contenders around the league who could certainly use a capable playmaker like Rubio.
Philadelphia 76ers
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The 76ers could be among the teams interested in acquiring Rubio, considering their need of a reliable playmaker to run the point. Despite the 76ers planning on giving Ben Simmons the playmaking duties when he returns from injury, adding a pass-first floor commander like Rubio would be a tremendous boost for the 76ers.
Philadelphia has plenty of trade chips to make a deal work, but if the Timberwolves are truly looking for another guard in return, Sergio Rodriguez and T.J. McConnell could be pieces in any potential deals.
Sacramento Kings
Wojnarowski indicated in his report that the Kings have had "strong interest" in trading for Rubio. Similar with the 76ers' situation, the Kings have several young talented big men, but lacks a point guard who could fit well playing alongside DeMarcus Cousins.
Rubio's ability to easily locate open teammates would greatly benefit the Kings and would create one of the deadliest pick-and-roll plays in the league. Darren Collison could be a perfect short-term starting PG the 'Wolves are looking for, but it remains to be seen whether Minnesota would have interest in acquiring the 29-year-old point guard.
Houston Rockets
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The Rockets have completely changed their identity this season, with their fast-paced offense courtesy of Mike D'Antoni. With James Harden playing the point, Houston has emerged as a nightmare for rivals, but the team may still need to consider adding a backup point guard who could push the offense.
Rubio is ideally the best fit in D'Antoni's run and gun offense, but only whenever Harden is off the court. If the Rockets show a genuine interest in dealing for the Spanish playmaker, Patrick Beverley could be the likely trade piece.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls may consider looking for another point guard, considering the Rajon Rondo conundrum.
Chicago has relegated Rondo to the bench after the All-Star point guard earned five-consecutive DNP-CDs as part of Fred Hoiberg's plans of shaking up the roster. Rondo signed a two-year $28 million contract with the Bulls this past summer, but many expect the veteran playmaker to get dealt before the deadline.
Bringing in Rubio would probably make little sense for the Bulls, since one of their main needs is adding outside shooters. But if the Bulls are looking to move on from Rondo, Rubio is a viable option the team should explore, although it remains to be seen whether the Timberwolves would want Rondo on their roster.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The defending champs are reportedly looking for a backup point guard, who could take some pressure off Kyrie Irving and LeBron James, according to Cavs general manager David Griffin. With the team still in possession of a combined total of $11.4 million in trade exception after trading for Kyle Korver, the Cavs can afford to make a run at Rubio with few more tweaks in the team's cap space.
Rubio would provide exactly what the Cavs are looking for in the trade market: A backup PG to facilitate the second unit's offense. Even without playoff experience, Rubio would still be a tremendous boost for the Cavs in the postseason.
However, the Cavs do not have much to give in any potential deal. Cleveland does not have the type of backup point guard the Timberwolves are looking for, although the Cavs could attempt to entice Minnesota a package that includes Iman Shumpert, who has drawn interest from the Wolves during the offseason.
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