Rumors of Ricky Rubio being traded from the Timberwolves are nothing new, but let’s dive a little deeper into some potential trade options.
With an apparent mutual interest existing between Providence point guard Kris Dunn, the rumors have again heated up for the Wolves. Of course, teams have been known to throw smokescreens to hide their intentions, and that could very well be the case with Dunn.
However, if the Dunn rumors are more than strategic deception on the part of the Timberwolves, it could signify that Rubio is on his way out. Entering his prime with three years remaining on a reasonably priced contract, the Spanish point guard’s value is near its peak.
Whether or not it makes sense for the Timberwolves to be trading a proven commodity like Rubio is up for debate. However, as long as these rumors continue, it is a possibility that merits consideration. With that in mind, here are three possible scenarios in which Minnesota trades away its starting point guard.
Let’s take a look first at some potential point guard options in free agency, and then go through three potential destinations for Rubio to land via trade this summer.
Next: Free Agent Point Guards
Free Agent Point Guards
First, it is important to note that there is a distinct possibility of Rubio being traded even if the Timberwolves don’t draft Dunn. If the team is willing to acquire a replacement in a trade or test its luck in free agency, it may be worthwhile to capitalize on their point guard’s value while it is high.
Of the free agents that will be available beginning in July, former Grizzlies floor general Mike Conley is the only ideal option. He is, however, a highly sought after player that will procure a max contract. The Wolves will be able to afford him, but will they be his preferred suitors?
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Rajon Rondo would be a reasonable fit if it weren’t for the fact that he is Rajon Rondo. With him being the worst imaginable influence on a young locker room (and a presumably terrible mesh with noted disciplinarian Tom Thibodeau, although they were together in Boston), the remaining options are primarily scorers that have seen their best days pass; Deron Williams, Ty Lawson, Brandon Jennings, and Jeremy Lin.
Matthew Dellavedova looks like an ideal fit as a backup, but that would require the Timberwolves to have a starting point guard. Is the scrappy Cleveland folk hero a starting-caliber NBA point guard? We could engage in a long discussion, or we could cut to the chase—No, he is not.
Now take the previous paragraph and replace “Matthew Dellavedova” with “Mario Chalmers” and replace “scrappy Cleveland folk hero” with “waived by the Grizzlies after rupturing his achilles tendon.”
In other words, don’t expect Minnesota to even consider getting rid of Rubio unless the team has already found a suitable replacement. To that end, there are three possibilities:
- Draft Dunn
- Sign Conley
- Sign one of the second-tier free agent point guards along with Dellavedova, Chalmers, or another similar-caliber player.
Now, on to some potential landing spots for Rubio via trade.
Next: Heading To The Mile-High City
Denver
This situation is most likely if Dragan Bender or Jamal Murray falls to #5. Denver would like to add a young shooter as they gear up for the long run, while adding Rubio would take pressure off of young point guard Emmanuel Mudiay and allow him to hone his off-ball skills.
The caveat is that the Timberwolves or the Pelicans, picking at #6, need to be threats to take the available prospect. This won’t take much salesmanship, as both teams could also use new shooting specialists.
The Timberwolves would add an athletic power forward in Faried, whom would become the immediate starter. His strength would be appreciated as Karl-Anthony Towns continues to fill out his frame, while his ability to run the floor makes him a natural fit for Minnesota’s athletic young core.
Nurkic is a young center that spent most of the 2015-16 season off the court with an injury following an impressive rookie campaign. Denver won’t mind sending him off after Nikola Jokic proved his ability to be a top notch NBA center during Nurkic’s absence.
Finally, moving down to the #7 pick would almost certainly allow the Timberwolves to draft Buddy Hield while retaining a sliver of a chance at drafting Dunn, Bender, or Murray should one of them slip past their projected spot.
Next: A Defensive-Minded Trade
Philadelphia
Noel would be a very useful prospect for Minnesota to add, and the Sixers are already considering offers for him, specifically looking to find an upgrade at the point guard position.
Noel is an exciting young defensive specialist that could play both front court positions for Minnesota. His offense is a work in progress, but he improved his scoring efficiency in his second season. If he can live up to his potential, the Timberwolves could quickly find themselves with one of the most defensively imposing lineups in the league.
Rubio is the better player at the moment, but Noel’s youth adds enough value that it would be an even swap. A second round pick or a peripheral player could be added to the deal if either team is able to get a bidding war going for their player.
Next: Headed East - But Not Too Far
Milwaukee
Monroe is not the athletic, rangy big man that Wolves fans would like, but he would provide a big body that the team currently lacks. His rebounding is valuable and he can score from within ten feet of the rim. He’s a true center that the Timberwolves could use.
Carter-Williams would be a significant downgrade at point guard, but he has proven himself to be a capable defender, which may be enough for Minnesota. Ideally the team could relegate him to the bench behind Dunn, but he also provides reasonable insurance if there are any hiccups in Dunn’s development.
Milwaukee is nearing playoff contention and needs a boost in order to vault into the land of contenders in the next few years. Carter-Williams is not the answer at point guard, so they should be hunting for a player that offers more at that position. Rubio offers no more shooting than Carter-Williams, but is the unequivocally superior passer, ball-handler, and defender.
While Rubio is the most valuable player in this deal, the Timberwolves may be too optimistic if they expect to get back both Monroe and Carter-Williams for him. For that reason, Milwaukee would also receive Muhammad and a second round pick.
If the Bucks decide that they don’t need a prospect like Muhammad or a future second round pick, they may offer to cut those pieces out of the deal and replace Carter-WIlliams with their own 2017 second round pick.
Next: Could Timberwolves Trade For D'Angelo Russell
This trade would not be ideal for Minnesota because it would not help the team acquire a shooter. This is more likely to occur in an alternative scenario where the team drafts Murray, Bender, or Buddy Hield before acquiring a targeted point guard in free agency.