The Minnesota Timberwolves are weighing their options with what to do with the team once the trade of Kevin Love is finalized. Despite losing the franchise star, the Timberwolves will actually still have some talent on the roster for next year. According to multiple sources, they will be receiving Thaddeus Young as part of the trade that will send Anthony Bennett to the Philadelphia 76ers. Paring him with No. 1 draft pick Andrew Wiggins will certainly make a solid duo for Minnesota. However, one issue has yet to be resolved and that is the future of Ricky Rubio.
With Love gone, Rubio becomes the face of the Timberwolves for the upcoming season. The point guard will be expected to help carry the team after his teammate was dealt to the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, that could be short-lived as Rubio approaches restricted free agency in 2015 and is expecting a large pay day from any team. Rubio wants a max contract and right now does not appear to be backing down from those demands. Will Minnesota cave?
According to Jabari Davis of BasketballInsiders.com, the Timberwolves are expected to give Rubio a max contract next summer. There have been conflicting reports as to whether or not the team values Rubio at that price tag. Sources were originally reporting that Minnesota was only interested in giving the point guard a deal similar to Stephen Curry's contract which was worth four years and $48 million. However, Rubio is very valuable towards Minnesota right now and they cannot afford to let him go.
The Timberwolves have no other player they can max out. Wiggins will not be up for a new deal. Young is not worth a max contract. Rubio is it. However, they will be over the cap if they hand the point guard the large contract meaning a few deals will have to be made to make it work. Could Josh Smith of the Detroit Pistons be a fit? With Young playing small forward, there is still a big hole to fill at the four spot. Smith could be a solid fit if the Timberwolves can make it considering he is owed $40.5 million over the next three years.
Davis writes that on paper Smith would be a solid replacement for Love. However, does Minnesota have a package that would please the Pistons? Detroit has been looking to deal Smith, but they likely are not desperate enough to accept just anyone. The Timberwolves could give up someone like JJ Barea or Kevin Martin considering the team is deep at those positions, but that might not be enough.
