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Minnesota Timberwolves rumors: Rubio mentioned as option for Lakers

By Dylan Jackson

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MARCH 26: Ricky Rubio #9 of the Minnesota Timberwolves passes the ball away form John Wall #1 and Christian Wood #35 of the Houston Rockets during the game at Target Center on March 26, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Rockets 107-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MARCH 26: Ricky Rubio #9 of the Minnesota Timberwolves passes the ball away form John Wall #1 and Christian Wood #35 of the Houston Rockets during the game at Target Center on March 26, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Rockets 107-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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The Minnesota Timberwolves are once again involved in trade rumors. This time, though, it’s rotational point guard Ricky Rubio.

Earlier today, Adrian Wojnarowski and Zach Lowe did their yearly NBA Draft special for ESPN. When talking about Dennis Schroder and the Los Angeles Lakers, Wojnarowski made a note that Ricky Rubio could be the point guard that the lakers target if they are unable to retain Schroder.

Minnesota Timberwolves rumors: Rubio mentioned as option for Lakers

Rubio has one year left on a 3-year deal he originally signed with the Phoenix Suns back in the 2019 offseason. After a somewhat disappointing season this year, he very well could be on his way out of Minnesota already.

In the aforementioned segment about the Lakers, Wojnarowski and Lowe also said that Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope have been offered to most teams that the duo had spoken to.

Assuming one of the two is included in the deal, the Timberwolves could potentially add a solid 3-and-D piece while not giving up much in return.

A possible trade could look like the following.

Whether the Timberwolves and Lakers agree to this deal is to be determined (and may not even be a scenario that is in contention if Schroder elects to stay in Los Angeles). But it is a possibility – and based on how trade-happy Gersson Rosas has been over the course of the previous two seasons, it may be more likely than any other options for the Lakers.

LeBron James has stated in the past how he likes to play alongside a veteran playmaker, and Rubio would be exactly that. While the shooting isn’t typically great from Rubio, everything else is solid enough to justify the Lakers making the move for him. He raises the floor of an offense – one that already has consistency in their two superstars (James + Davis).

The Timberwolves could be interested in either Kuzma or KCP. Both are two-way players that are consistent enough from deep. My assumption, though, is that they would prefer Kuzma based on the roster breakdown positionally. He gives more versatility in the frontcourt and is under contract for three seasons.

Next. Wolves: What would a Gallinari trade look like?. dark

If Rubio is moved, it could happen as soon as this week. But if it is the Lakers that decide to attempt to trade for him, it will likely be after the free agency period begins.