Ricky Rubio rumors: Rubio still seeking a max deal

Apr 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) passes at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) passes at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Minnesota Timberwolves’ point guard Ricky Rubio can become a restricted free agent after the 2014-2015 season but the Timberwolves don’t seem all that interested in giving him one. That’s why Rubio will likely become a restricted free agent next summer. Next season will go a long way in determining Rubio’s future.

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“Rubio is on notice. The Wolves are trying to sign him to an extension, and so far his agent, Dan Fegan, is balking at the idea of a four-year, $43MM deal,” Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities told Sportando. “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. But Fegan is seeking the five-year max. That’s not happening. 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.“

Although he has been a solid point guard, Rubio hasn’t looked anything like a max player. Of course, Rubio knows the Timberwolves really don’t want to lose Rubio after trading Kevin Love away, so he does have some leverage.

Rubio averaged 9.5 points, 8.6 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game while shooting 38.1% from the floor, 33.1% from beyond the arc and 80.2% from the free throw line last season. In his career, he’s put up 10.1 points, 8.1 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game while shooting 36.8% from the floor, 32.3% from three and 80.1% from the charity stripe.

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