Earlier this week, we discussed whether or not Ricky Rubio should feel as if he is a part of the Timberwolves plan for the future, and now it appears as though the answer is no, at least according to Bleacher Report’s Ric Bucher.
Bucher claims that his sources are saying that the Timberwolves have “seen enough” and that they “do not believe that he is the future.”
If that is indeed the case, then the T-Wolves would assuredly be able to find someone who wants a 24-year-old point guard with the playmaking skills that Rubio has, right?
Well, Bucher also claims that the Wolves have tested the waters and that they are currently quiet, although they could pick up once the season begins.
If Rubio does end up getting traded, the Knicks are heavily rumored to be a team that would be interested in his services. Bucher also lists the Nets, Mavericks, and Bucks as teams that would be potential fits for the Spaniard.
For what it’s worth, other reporters such as Basketball Talk’s Kurt Helin and the AP’s John Krawczynski are much less confident that Rubio will be traded or that a trade is even being considered.
With conflicting reports, it’s tough to shake out whether or not the T-Wolves really are interested in keeping their 2009 first round pick around for the future. With Andrew Wiggins and Karl Anthony-Towns, the Wolves will assuredly be better than they were a season ago and should be a fun team to watch grow over the next several seasons.
Rubio’s play-making skills would figure to mesh well with scorers like Wiggins and Anthony-Towns, but his lack of ability to finish and shoot from distance limits his game, and Minnesota could be more interested in seeing what Zach LaVine can do at the lead guard spot.
For now, it’s worth at least keeping an eye on moving forward to see whether or not Rubio could be a potential trade chip once the season begins.
(via Bleacher Report)
