Ricky Rubio of the Minnesota Timberwolves is another name that has recently been thrown in the rumor mill. With the NBA trade deadline done and over with, any possible move on his part will have to wait until the offseason.

The Spanish guard will be entering the second year of the $56 million deal. However, the T-Wolves could opt to part him if they deem it necessary.

Trade talks involving Rubio have gained ground with the 25-year-old player now having to play behind 2016 NBA Slam Dunk champion Zach LaVine. The rise of LaVine was expected as one of the team's plans in the offseason.

Now that LaVine has blossomed, Rubio has been displaced. He lacks the outside shooting skill that is normally expected from point guards in the league, but makes up for it with his playmaking.

The Timberwolves have received offers for Rubio, but they plan to keep him at least until the end of this season. One of the teams reportedly interested in Rubio was the Indiana Pacers.

“We’re pleased with Ricky. Ricky has had a very good year, leading our team in assists and defensively. He’s been a streaky shooter but we feel confident he’ll get better at that. The think I love about Ricky is all the qualities, his IQ, mental toughness,’’ said interim head coach Sam Mitchell.

But fast-forwarding to the summer, the team that could really use Rubio are the New York Knicks.

The point guard woes have been in the air for quite some time now, with the Knicks linked to a couple of playmakers like Jeff Teague of the Atlanta Hawks and Brandon Jennings. Knicks' president Phil Jackson didn’t pull the trigger on anything, probably saving it for the upcoming free agent period.

Would the Knicks consider dealing for Rubio and absorb the remainder of his contract?

It may all depend on what the Knicks can offer. Right now, they don’t exactly have the resources unless it involves multiple players or draft picks. The Knicks could use a playmaker like Rubio on their end, so the 2009 draft pick could be up for consideration.

One thing working to the Knicks’ advantage is that Rubio had reportedly wanted to play for the Knicks since he made himself available during the 2009 NBA Draft. He was the fifth overall pick that year but was hampered by freak injuries.