With Kevin Love out in Minnesota, all eyes shift to Ricky Rubio and his future. The point guard has yet to exactly thrive in the NBA considering the amount of hype that surrounded him when he was first drafted, but has certainly not been a slouch for the Timberwolves. With Love gone, Rubio becomes the cornerstone of the franchise and he knows it. As the point expresses some high contract demands, will the Timberwolves remain committed to him?
Head coach and team president Flip Saunders will have some tough decisions to make regarding Rubio. With Andrew Wiggins coming in, he represents the future of the franchise while Rubio is the face fans know. According to ESPN.com, the point guard is seeking a max contract which could reach upwards of $84 million. However, Darren Wolfson of CBSSports.com says the Timberwolves are looking to give a deal to Rubio worth four years and $48 million, similar to what Stephen Curry signed. With Love gone, will Saunders be pressured into meeting Rubio's demands?
Rubio becomes a restricted free agent next summer. If available, he will have plenty of interest surrounding him. Considering Rajon Rondo will be the best point guard available, every other team that misses out on him will look into acquiring Rubio. Letting Love go was the first move in determining the direction of the Timberwolves while figuring out Rubio's future is the next. The point guard can be a triple-double threat every night. His shooting continues to improve and his reputation could attract other free agents to the team. Saunders must consider what price that is all worth.
Minnesota intends on competing this season and they could have the roster to do so. Right now, it appears the starting lineup would have Rubio, Wiggins and Thaddeus Young, three young and developing stars. There is no guarantee that Young is on the roster, but all signs are currently point towards the forward being involved in the Love trade. The Philadelphia 76ers have remained coy about the idea, but ESPN.com is reporting that sources believe the Timberwolves will be sending Anthony Bennett to the 76ers in exchange for Young.
The forward could actually hurt Rubio's future. If the trade does happen, Chuck Myron of HoopsRumors.com is reporting that the Timberwolves intend on re-signing him. Young has a player option in his contract for next season. If they give Young a big contract, will they also shell out the money to keep Rubio for the long-term as well?