The Minnesota Timberwolves continue to try and improve their roster following the trade of Kevin Love. Part of that will happen this offseason while another major part of it will take place next summer. In exchange for Love, the Timberwolves receive Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Thaddeus Young from the Philadelphia 76ers. That should set them up to compete this upcoming season, but several players will need next contracts next year, including Ricky Rubio.
The point guard is now the face of the Timberwovles. With Love gone, Rubio now carries the franchise. He is a crucial piece to the 2014 season and he knows it. Rubio will be a restricted free agent next summer and according to Steve Kyler of BasketballInsiders.com, he is looking to get a max contract. Rubio knows he has leverage in this situation as the Timberwolves consider just how much he is worth. IF a deal is denied, plenty of other teams will certainly come calling.
Minnesota is not committing to a max contract for Rubio just yet. According to Kyler, the Timberwolves are favoring a deal similar to what Stephen Curry signed which was four years and $48 million. A max contract has an extra year and about $40 million more. At the moment, Rubio does not appear ready to back down from those demands understanding his position on the team with Love now on the Cleveland Cavaliers roster.
The issue is that with Young now on the roster, the Timberwolves have one more contract to worry about next season. The forward comes to Minnesota with two years remaining on his contract, the second being a player option. The Timberwolves intend to re-sign Young and will have to determine a price for the forward that will certainly gain plenty of attention on the market alongside Rubio. Someone has to be a max player for the Timberwolves and if it is not Rubio then another team will certainly give him the cash.
The Houston Rockets immediately become a favorite to sign Rubio. The team attempted to get another top player this offseason, but missed out on everyone from Chris Bosh, Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James. The one position being ignored for the team is the point guard spot after the Rockets traded Jeremy Lin. Ideally they get Rajon Rondo, but if that does not work then Rubio is a solid option.
The Indiana Pacers could be very interested. They have taken a liking to Rondo as well, attempting to trade for him multiple times. The Dallas Mavericks could take a look. Dirk Nowitzki is on a short-term deal and they traded Jose Calderon to the Knicks. Rubio would be a big upgrade. The Los Angeles Lakers are also expected to consider making a deal considering both Steve Nash and Lin will be gone.
