Report: New York Knicks hoping to re-engage in Ricky Rubio trade talks

The New York Knicks will look a lot different next season, and they may have a particular target to be their new point guard.

Most of the offseason talk surrounding the New York Knicks will center on Carmelo Anthony, and an expected waive of his no-trade clause to facilitate a move. Any other moves will be somewhat dependent on what is done with Anthony. But ESPN’s Ian Begley has offered a piece profiling some free agent targets for the Knicks, who offer something on both ends of the floor.

Near this year’s trade deadline in February, the Knicks and Timberwolves were considering a Derrick Rose-for-Ricky Rubio point guard swap. Begley added in his Knicks’ offseason piece that “some in the organization” were hopeful about revisiting the trade deadline attempt to acquire Rubio during the offseason.

As if he was fueled by that trade rumor, Rubio finished this past season strongly. Over 24 games post All-Star break, he averaged 16.0 points,10.5 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game while making over 35 percent of his 3-pointers. That’s essentially his best stretch as an NBA player, with full health as an extra factor.

Rubio has two years and close to $29 million left on his contract, and he recently switched agents. That latter news has brought speculation Rubio wants to be traded, which can’t be dismissed but also feels a tad aggressive. It is worth noting that Jeff Schwartz, Rubio’s new agent, has had extensive dealings with the Timberwolves in the past.

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If the Knicks do try to re-engage the Timberwolves in trade talks centered on Rubio, it’s unclear what they could offer that is particularly appealing. The eighth overall pick in next month’s draft could be of some interest, with a deep talent pool, but Minnesota has the seventh overall pick and may not want to add another young player to the mix.