Currently, the Minnesota Timberwolves are one of the worst teams in the NBA. It has been another rough season for the Timberwolves which will end without a playoff berth once again.
With the Minnesota out of playoff contention, the team is reportedly exploring making some moves heading toward Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. Veteran guard Kevin Martin has been on the trading block all season long, but now it appears he’s not alone.
According to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, point guard Ricky Rubio has also been added to the trading block in Minnesota:
Incumbent Ricky Rubio is readily available and the feeling is that the Spanish guard could be moved prior to Thursday’s NBA trade deadline.
The Timberwolves had high hopes for Rubio after drafting him with the fifth overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. Although Rubio didn’t make his NBA debut until 2011, Minnesota was hopeful the young point guard would help turn things around for the Timberwolves.
Unfortunately, things haven’t gone as planned in Minnesota and it appears the franchise is ready to move on without Rubio as their floor general. Rubio, along with Martin, could be dealt elsewhere before the trade deadline.
Isola mentions the New York Knicks as possible candidate to trade for Rubio:
Phil Jackson is in the market for a point guard but it’s hard to envision the Knicks having the assets to acquire the 25-year-old Rubio, whose season average in points (9.7), assists (8.6) and minutes (30.3) are down this year.
The Knicks have been aggressively pursuing an upgrade at the point guard position with Jeff Teague of the Atlanta Hawks said to be in the team’s crosshairs. If unable to land Teague, Rubio might be a decent second option.
Rubio and Teague have been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers in the past, but it’s highly unlikely either player will be wearing purple and gold this season. Although a veteran point guard may help the progression of rookie D’Angelo Russell, it’s seem doubtful they’d target a backcourt player before Thursday’s deadline.