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NBA trade rumors: 5 destinations for Ricky Rubio

By John Buhler

February 3, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) moves the ball up court against Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
February 3, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) moves the ball up court against Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 24, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) dribbles the ball as Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) and guard Derrick Rose (1) defend during the first quarter at Scottrade Center. The Timberwolves won 113-112. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

. East. Central. Chicago Bulls. 4. player. 24

After sending former MVP point guard and native Chicagoan Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks, the Chicago Bulls have a glaring need a starting point guard. Yes, Chicago is probably going to rebuild, but Jose Calderon and Tony Snell aren’t good enough to lead the Bulls to an improbable playoff berth in 2017.

This is where a deal with the Timberwolves involving Rubio comes into play. Chicago has so many front court players that it will be difficult for head coach Fred Hoiberg to divvy out minutes to his overload position group.

Though both Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah will probably walk away for nothing in 2016 NBA free agency, perhaps the Timberwolves might see a guy or two that Minnesota thinks could help its club reach the NBA Playoffs.

Players like Nikola Mirotic, Taj Gibson, Bobby Portis, Doug McDermott, Mike Dunleavy, and even recently acquired Robin Lopez could be a few of the names that Minnesota could get for Rubio. Rubio is a pass-first point guard and would in theory play more cohesively with star player Jimmy Butler than Rose ever did.

Minnesota could either use a jump shooter or a younger rotational front court player coming off their bench to aid in Towns and Wiggins’ continued growth. If any of the current Bulls feel inclined to play for Thibodeau again in the Twin Cities, this trade could be on the table.

Next: 3. Memphis Grizzlies.

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