When the Minnesota Timberwolves traded Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers, it was assumed that Ricky Rubio would become the face of the franchise. The team signed the point guard to a contract extension despite his lackluster start and injury history. It appeared that Rubio was the point guard of the future until the Timberwolves drafted Tyus Jones out of Duke. If Jones begins to excel at the start of the season, Rubio could find himself on the trade block.
Rubio has yet to truly thrive in Minnesota. According to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, the Timberwolves are growing impatient with the progress of Rubio and could look to trade the point guard by the winter deadline. The deciding factor for Minnesota will be the development of Jones. The rookie had a strong showing in summer league play which has the team feeling optimistic to this point. If he can show enough on the court, the Timberwolves could trade Rubio and move on with a young core group of players.
While Rubio's contract might not be that desirable to take on in the middle of the season, there will be teams that eye his abilities. The New York Knicks could easily be a landing spot. According to Ian Begley, the Knicks are not sold on their point guard rotation that consists of Langston Galloway, Jerian Grant and Jose Calderon. Galloway is signed to a partially-guaranteed contract after a strong finish to his rookie year. Team president Phil Jackson is hopeful he can continue the success. Grant is getting his first taste of the triangle offense. Calderon is always available for deals. After exploring trade interest for both Ty Lawson and Eric Bledsoe, Rubio could be next.
If the Knicks need point guard help in the middle of the season, there is always a chance that Mario Chalmers would be an upgrade. The Miami Heat continue to shop the point guard in a deal, but there are no takers on his contract. If New York gets desperate following the struggles of any of their players, Chalmers will get a look. Norris Cole, Bledsoe and Brandon Jennings will also be potentially available options depending on how the team looks.
Jackson admitted he tried very hard to get Goran Dragic in a trade. Getting someone like Rubio would give Carmelo Anthony a playmaker he has been hoping would join the roster.