NBA News: Ricky Rubio Wants Max Deal From Timberwolves, Could Become Free Agent Next Summer
While the future looks set for the Minnesota Timberwolves at first glance, another key player, point guard Ricky Rubio, might end up changing uniform before the 2015-16 season.
Darren Wolfson of Sportando reported that Rubio, who could become a restricted free agent in the summer of 2015, is far from reaching a new deal with the Timberwolves after the 23-year-old turned down a recent offer from Minnesota.
"Rubio is on notice," Wolfson wrote. "The Wolves are trying to sign him to an extension, and so far his agent, Dan Fegan, is balking at the idea of a 4-year, $43 million deal. That's plenty for a player of Rubio's caliber. It's a lot more than Atlanta point guard Jeff Teague makes -- maybe a better player -- and is what Golden State All-Star guard Stephen Curry makes."
Fegan is reportedly lobbying for a maximum five-year deal from Minnesota, but the Timberwolves are not expected to budge - unless Rubio makes drastic improvements in his game in the upcoming season.
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"Fegan is seeking the 5-year max. That's not happening," Wolfson wrote. "The situation is pointing toward Rubio being a restricted free agent next summer. In other words, the 2014-2015 season is huge for Rubio. He should improve his shooting under Flip and we know he has unbelievable athletes to cut to the hoop and catch alley-oop passes."
The Timberwolves made a landscape-changing move on Saturday after trading All-Star forward Kevin Love in a deal that sent Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett and Thaddeus Young to Minneapolis.
Rubio, who started in all 82-regular season games last season following a long recovery from an ACL injury, averaged 9.5 points to go along with 8.6 assists and 4.2 rebounds a game last season, but Wolfson is convinced that the Spaniard will not be the face of the franchise anymore.
"Wiggins will be the face of the franchise, in my opinion. Answered some of this above. But his value at the time is what only the Wolves are willing to pay him: 4-years, $43 million. His value next summer will be what the league will pay him and then the Wolves will decide if they want to match the offer," Wolfson wrote.
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