NBA Free Agents Rumors: Could Ricky Rubio Head to New York Knicks or Los Angeles Lakers?
One of the wildest NBA offseasons may not be completely over just yet.
Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio has been involved in a lot of trade rumors lately. The Timberwolves and Rubio have not been able to agree on a new contract this offseason, and many believe that will lead to an eventual breakup.
The El Masnou, Spain-born Rubio is currently set to make just over $5 million this upcoming season, but he and his agent are seeking a five-year max contract.
As of now, Rubio is scheduled to become a restricted free agent at the end of this season.
So how are the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks involved in this?
The Lakers did trade for point guard Jeremy Lin this offseason to aid veteran Steve Nash. The Lakers have been freeing up a lot of cap space in recent years, starting with power forward Pau Gasol. Even acquiring Carlos Boozer didn't cost the Lakers much at all, as the Chicago Bulls are still paying most of his salary. So what about Lin? Even though Lin is a very talented young point guard, he is set to become a free agent at the end of this season.
The Lakers might be wise to trade for Rubio, because there's guarantee Lin will stay.
The Timberwolves had one of the best power forwards in the National Basketball Association, Kevin Love, and failed to make the postseason with him a single time. Obviously Love is now in Cleveland with LeBron James and Rubio's job will be harder than ever. Maybe rebuilding is a better option to plan for the future.
Then there's the New York Knicks.
They, too, acquired a point guard this offseason: Jose Calderon. Calderon's situation is a bit different than the Lakers and Lin. Calderon is 32 years old and is under contract until the 2016-17 season, and he will see more than $7 million every year of that contract. Whether the Knicks make a run for Rubio or they keep Calderon, they have a point guard. But why go for Rubio when you already have Calderon locked up anyway?
As good as Calderon has been in this league, Rubio is the up-and-comer. Rubio is one of the best passers in the league averaging over eight assists per game in his three seasons. Last season Rubio average 8.6 assists per game, and Rubio is nine years younger than Calderon. Although Rubio isn't a very gifted scorer, he wouldn't have to be if he was playing alongside Carmelo Anthony.
Rubio might be the perfect fit in New York with the triangle offense coming to town.
For the Timberwolves, trading away Rubio to the Lakers would be painful because they both play in the Western Conference. On the flip side for the Timberwolves, the Lakers have more to offer in a potential trade. A possible trade to the Knicks would be great for the Timberwolves, but difficult for the Knicks. Picking up and paying two high profile point guards in the same off-season isn't very financially smart in a salary cap league. Jose Calderon would have to be traded in the near future.
Recent rumors point to Rubio preferring to play for the Lakers.
The Timberwolves can't give in to Rubio just yet because there's a chance the Lakers or Knicks might budge. If either team makes such a trade with the Timberwolves for Rubio, it will set up for an interesting season.
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