Will they or won't they? That is the question being asked regarding the Minnesota Timberwolves' intentions with Ricky Rubio. The point guard was once viewed as a franchise player especially after the team traded away Kevin Love. However, they currently have a core group of young players developing that might be pushing Rubio out of the mix. With mixed reports coming out about his status, the New York Knicks are in a holding pattern with their interest in Rubio.
According to the Boston Globe, the Timberwolves have been eyeing a trade of Rubio if Tyus Jones improves this season. They could do a mid-season trade of Rubio and move on with a young group of top talent. An international basketball site, Sportando, followed that report up saying that Phil Jackson and the Knicks were the main contender to trade for Rubio in the coming months. Rubio has heard the news regarding his future with Minnesota and denies the idea the franchise is trying to trade him.
"I have confidence that the team wants me but you know in this league anybody can get traded. You don't listen to the rumors. You just live day-by-day and that's it," Rubio said, via FOX Sports.
A move to the Knicks certainly makes sense. Jackson is still searching for his franchise point guard to pair with Carmelo Anthony. He has admitted disappointment in failed efforts to acquire Goran Dragic and Eric Bledsoe. Right now, the Knicks have Jose Calderon, Langston Galloway and Jerian Grant on the roster and the chances all three players are still on New York's roster come the mid-season trade deadline are slim to none.
Galloway is signed to a non-guaranteed contract. That means the Knicks could opt to release him if he fails to improve at the start of training camp. Galloway enjoyed a rise to fame last season, but that does not mean he is guaranteed anything this year. Calderon is also a player on the edge. According to ESPN's Ian Begley, a trade for Calderon is not a priority at the moment, but Jackson will not rule something out later down the road if a deal presents itself. The Knicks will enter with three point guards, but might end up shopping at least one in hopes of getting an upgrade.
If Rubio becomes available, the Knicks will likely take a look. The same can be said for Bledsoe, Brandon Jennings or even Marcus Smart if they get outplayed by other highly-paid point guards on the roster. New York is clearly not satisfied with their current rotation at the moment.
