New York Knicks News & Rumors: Ricky Rubio Headed to NY Before Deadline?
The New York Knicks endured their worst season in franchise history, as they lost 65 games and missed the playoffs for the second straight season. Phil Jackson started his second full season as team president by picking Kristaps Porziņģis fourth overall in this year's draft.
The "Zen Master" also signed free agents Arron Afflalo and Robin Lopez to make superstar Carmelo Anthony happy. And according to Spanish newspaper Gigantes Del Basket, as translated by Sportando, the Knicks are looking for an upgrade at point guard.
Jackson was said to be unsatisfied with the current point guards on the roster that includes veteran Jose Calderon, rookie Jerian Grant and All-Rookie Second Teamer Langston Galloway. The 11-time NBA champion coach is interested with Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio.
According to The Boston Globe, the Timberwolves appear to be growing impatient on Rubio. They traded for rookie and Minnesota native Tyus Jones, who they view as the possible floor leader for the future.
The 24-year-old point guard was at Dubai for the Basicball Academy when Gulf News asked him about his possible trade to the Knicks. "I have confidence that the team wants me but you know in this league anybody can get traded. You don't listen to the rumours. You just live day-by-day and that's it," Rubio answered.
He also said a resounding "yes" after being asked if he wants to stay with the Timberwolves. Rubio wants to be part of the Minnesota team that has a possibility to break their 12-year playoff drought.
"My goal is to bring this team to the play-offs. It has been my dream for four years. In my first year, I almost did it, but then I got hurt and everybody got hurt too so we couldn't do it," Rubio told Gulf News.
Minnesota has a great core of young talents that include 2015 first overall pick Karl-Anthony Towns, Rookie of the Year Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine, Gorgui Dieng, Shabazz Muhammad and Anthony Bennett.
FOX Sports reported that the Knicks will need to give up a lot for Rubio. It is due to his contract that is too much to take with a four-year, $55-million deal, as reported by ESPN.
The past-first guard also talked about the Wolves' young player, "They have a lot of talent. I have a little bit more experience than them that I can share. I really can teach them what I learned. They have a great future and I can help them achieve their goals," Rubio added, per Gulf News.
"I like to have athletic players next to me, the way I play. It suits my game. Wiggins can be as good as he wants. He has a lot of talent. I have seen Towns working out this summer in Minnesota. I can tell he is a great player."
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