Ricky Rubio's tenure with the Minnesota Timberwolves has not been as consistent as the team would like it to be as injuries have hurt the point guard's progress in the league. However, they gave him the vote of confidence with a contract extension, but does that make his future completely safe with the franchise. After Kevin Love was traded, Rubio appeared to be the new face of the franchise, but now the point guard might not be a part of the Timberwolves of the future.
According to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, the Timberwolves are getting impatient with the progress of Rubio and could be open to trading the point guard once the season picks up. The Timberwolves will not risk trading the point guard prior to the season, but if the team feels Tyus Jones is the better option for the future then Rubio could be out by the winter trade deadline.
Jones had a lot of success in the summer league tournament which is giving Minnesota a lot hope for the future. With point guards in high demand, the Timberwolves could get a lot of value in a Rubio trade while building a young core group of players for the future. For now, Rubio remains part of the franchise, but other teams could begin showing interest.
The Los Angeles Lakers could easily become contenders for Rubio if they are not satisfied with their young group of players. The Lakers drafted D'Angelo Russell to pair with Jordan Clarkson, but the young duo is bringing some doubt. According to the Los Angeles Times, the Lakers took serious looks at players like Ty Lawson along with Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Jennings, but did not make any moves. If both players struggle during the start of the year, Rubio could become in high demand for the team.
The same could be said for teams like the New York Knicks or the Houston Rockets. The Knicks are hopeful that Langston Galloway can pick up from his breakout rookie season while Jerian Grant gets introduced to the NBA and Jose Calderon attempts to come back from an injury-riddled season. Rubio could be the big playmaker that Carmelo Anthony wants. The Rockets brought back Patrick Beverley, but Rubio would be the upgrade for the team. The Rockets will not hesitate to pull the trigger on a trade if it gets them to the top of a very competitive Western Confidence.