The Minnesota Timberwolves are ready to part ways with point guard Ricky Rubio this season. The team has reportedly made him available and they are actively shopping him to interested teams.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, the Timberwolves are ready to make a deal for Rubio before the trade deadline. They are also willing to part ways with scoring forward Shabazz Muhammad to sweeten a possible deal.
At the age of 26 years old, Rubio is entering his prime but his skill set is really a polarizing one. He is one of the best playmakers and on-ball defenders in the NBA but his shooting makes him unwanted in today's game.
Rubio is currently making $13.5 million this season and he has $29 million left until the 2018-19 NBA season. However, there will be teams interested in him since he is still in his prime and his playmaking and defending are hard to come by.
Sacramento Kings
Wojnarowski pointed out in his report that the Kings have expressed interest in acquiring Rubio. They also have Darren Collison, who is a capable point guard and can hold the position until Kris Dunn is deemed ready to be the starter.
Rubio can easily make pick-and-roll plays with DeMarcus Cousins while looking for open teammates very easily. Muhammad also fits in quite nicely because he can provide instant offense off the bench and eat minutes now that Rudy Gay is out for the season due to an Achilles injury.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers were one of the interested teams in Rubio back in the offseason. Philly was ready to deal Nerlens Noel but the Timberwolves now have a different need. Gorgui Dieng is the perfect complimentary piece for Karl-Anthony Towns so they really need a point guard.
Philly has T.J. McConnell and Jarryd Bayless to offer but the Timberwolves will likely demand more. Nevertheless, Rubio certainly helps the development of Ben Simmons as a playmaker if the Sixers acquire him.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Can the Cavaliers really acquire Rubio from the Timberwolves? Yes, they can because of a total of $11.4 million trade exception, per Ohio.com. General Manager David Griffin has to be a little more creative but he can certainly pull off this trade.
The Cavs need a backup point guard who can make the second unit better. He can also start along with Kyrie Irving, who can easily play the two-guard position. If Griffin can pull this off, the Cavaliers can surely win back-to-back NBA titles.
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