While a majority of the NBA is focusing on pulling off a trade for Kevin Love, there are a few other Minnesota Timberwolves players generating some attention as the offseason quickly approaches. The Timberwolves have found themselves the center of the rumor circuit after Love reportedly told the team he was headed for free agency in 2015 and did not intend on signing a contract extension to stay. This made every team in the league believe he was available, but he might not be the only one.
According to Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press, the Timberwolves have been fielding plenty of calls regarding the status of point guard Ricky Rubio. The point guard will be a restricted free agent come 2015, making $3 million a season. Walters goes on to write that teams have been calling about Rubio's availability for a year now and have denied all requests. However, even with Rubio and Love, they have not found any kind of success and might actually be willing to strike a deal.
Rubio has yet to develop into an All-Star like the Timberwolves thought they were getting. Yes, he spent a season recovering from a blown out knee and he consistently ranks in the top five in assists. However, he put up career-low numbers this season, shooting 38 percent from inside and 33 percent from beyond the arc. That does not make him an ideal trade target, but for any team that misses out on players like Rajon Rondo or Deron Williams, Rubio could be the target.
It is mere speculation at this point as to who would be interested in acquiring Rubio and which teams have called about his price tag. The Timberwolves drafted him in the first round, but would likely only get two mid-level players in return for him. That opens up the options on which teams are interested.
The Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers have all inquired about players like Williams, Rondo and Jeremy Lin. It would make sense to add Rubio to that list considering the size of his contract is doable for any team strapped for cash aka the Knicks and Lakers. The Houston Rockets could also make a move for the point guard is they send Lin packing.
There is no confirmation that the Timberwolves are willing to deal the point guard. However, Walters writes that Minnesota is in a holding pattern at the moment and could go towards the direction of rebuilding which would mean dumping players like Love and Rubio in the offseason.
