Ricky Rubio might be the franchise star of the Minnesota Timberwolves this upcoming season, but that does not mean his future is secure. The point guard has made it clear that he wants his next contract to be a max deal. The Timberwolves have made it clear they are sold on the idea of meeting those demands. As Rubio prepares to enter restricted free agency next summer, is Minnesota preparing to make a trade during the season instead of paying the point guard his money?
According to Darren Wolfson of ESPN, Rubio has already turned down a four-year, $43 million contract offer from the Timberwolves. The team attempted to sign him to a new deal and avoid the free agency fiasco, but the point guard balked at the offer. The contract is higher what a player like Jeff Teague is earning with the Atlanta Hawks and is on point with the deal Stephen Curry is signed to, but it is not a max offer. Rubio wants something that matches John Wall or Russell Westbrook and the Timberwolves are just sure he is that kind of player.
As a result, Rubio could be dealt at some point before next summer. Jeffy Zgoda of the Minneapolis Star Tribune is reporting that the Timberwolves appear inclined to trade the point guard rather than over pay to retain him. The team's general manager has already confirmed that multiple teams have called about Rubio's availability for deals and so far the Timberwolves have turned everything down. However, the recent contract demands might have them thinking otherwise.
Zgoda believes the Timberwolves could be seeking a sign-and-trade deal for Eric Bledsoe. The Phoenix Suns point guard is also looking for a max deal in restricted free agency and the Timberwolves could make a swap for the max max. Is Bledsoe a better player than Rubio? Bledsoe put up 17.7 points and 5.5 assists last season while shooting 47.7 percent from the field. Rubio averaged 9.5 points and 8.6 assists while shooting 38.1 percent. Bledsoe would be worth a max deal if the Timberwolves are really to give it.
The Suns might not have any interest in acquiring Rubio, but plenty of other teams will. The Houston Rockets still need a strong point guard option and while they might be waiting until next season to acquire, they could try and strike a deal for Rubio now. The Los Angeles Lakers are also an option as they will lose Jeremy Lin and Steve Nash next offseason. The Boston Celtics could be an option if Rajon Rondo leaves.
