Ricky Rubio is not on the trade block, yet. The Minnesota Timberwolves signed Rubio to a max contract when they lost Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The idea was that Rubio would be the next face of the franchise. However, a young group of players began to emerge for Minnesota, pushing Rubio out of favor with the team. Will that eventually for Minnesota to move the point guard?
According to Bleacher Report's Ric Bucher, the Timberwolves are keeping Rubio for now, but maybe not later. ESPN's Darren Wolfson followed that report up by saying that Minnesota is not shopping Rubio unless they are positive Tyus Jones is the right man for the starting job. Jones was drafted in the first round by Minnesota and is viewed as the potential future of the position to cap off a young group of potential stars in Minnesota. Until the Timberwolves know how the rookie will develop, they will not move Rubio.
The international basketball site, Sportando, reported that the Knicks are interested in Rubio if he is available. Team president Phil Jackson has been trying to get a franchise point guard into the roster, but has failed in that effort with deals for players like Eric Bledsoe and Goran Dragic getting knock down. Now the Knicks have Jose Calderon, Langston Galloway and Jerian Grant as all three are not considered home-run hits. Calderon is coming off of injuries. Galloway must try and follow up on short-term success. Grant is a rookie. Acquiring someone else would be ideal for New York.
The Knicks will likely enter the season with that point guard trio. For now, no one is making moves for Calderon. According to Ian Begley of ESPN.com, a trade for Calderon could happen, but is not immanent at this moment. The can be said for Galloway. Jackson admitted his doubts in the young point guard and after only earning a partially guaranteed contract, he is on the chopping block.
Big-named point guards could be available soon. Brandon Jennings might be an option if Reggie Jackson thrives as a starter. Bledsoe could come back into play with Brandon Knight on the roster. Isaiah Thomas or Marcus Smart could be options for the Boston Celtics. Rubio is not the only potential player that could pop up on the trade market at the mid-season deadline and New York will be keeping a close eye on everyone.
