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5 trades the Minnesota Timberwolves should explore

By Connor Learn

Nov 13, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Target Center. The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Los Angeles Lakers 125-99. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Target Center. The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Los Angeles Lakers 125-99. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Minnesota Timberwolves were supposed to be one of the NBA’s breakout teams this season. Things have not gone according to plan and it might be time to start exploring the trade market.

Though the Timberwolves won 29 games and finished 13th in the Western Conference last year, additional experience and the arrival of coach and President Tom Thibodeau was supposed to help them make the jump. Fifty wins, an All-Star appearance for Andrew Wiggins, and even an MVP case for Karl Anthony Towns were supposed to be in the cards for the young Wolves. But we are now in December and the Timberwolves are in familiar territory: 5-12, 13th in the Western Conference. Thibodeau knows nothing other than “win now mode.” Something is not working in Minnesota, and it could be time to shake things up.

Here are five potential trades that make sense for the Timberwolves:

5. Ricky Rubio to the Sacramento Kings for Rudy Gay

Why this makes sense for the Timberwolves

The Timberwolves’ most mentioned trade candidate is Ricky Rubio. The 260year old Spaniard has emerged as one of the league’s premier ball distributors and makes his teammates better when he is in the game. In addition, he is also one of the league’s better defensive point guards and received 30 All-Defense votes last year despite not being selected. However, he is an absolute non-shooter. His current field goal and 3-point shooting splits are 37.3 percent and 25.0 percent, respectively. With Kris Dunn and Tyus Jones already in Minnesota, it makes sense that it may be time for Ricky Rubio to go.

Rudy Gay would come and make the Timberwolves better immediately, possibly helping spur a turnaround that could help them make the playoffs. Lineups featuring Kris Dunn, Zach Lavine, Andrew Wiggins, Rudy Gay, and Karl Anthony Towns would be nearly impossible to defend. Trading Ricky Rubio for Rudy Gay could be a positive for the development of Minnesota’s young point guards. In addition, he could also provide veteran leadership and make this trade a positive one. Rudy Gay is just trying to play relevant basketball again, and coming to the Timberwolves would allow him to do just that.

Why this makes sense for the Kings

Many NBA fans consider Rudy Gay to be one of the best players to never make an All-Star game. The 30 year old has averaged 18.4 points per game and 5.9 rebounds during his career, always fielding good seasons but never getting an All-Star nod or making it deep into the playoffs. The 6-foot-9 Gay is capable of playing either forward position at a high level. He is spending the end of his prime toiling in the mess that Sacramento has become and has requested out. He is the best player who is likely to be traded this season.

The Kings are one of a limited number of teams with a hole at point guard. Ty Lawson and Garrett Temple have been seeing extended minutes at point guard for the Kings this year without high levels of success. Ricky Rubio would come in and compete at both ends of the court and facilitate while playing good defense. Sacramento could bring in the type of true point guard they had hoped Rajon Rondo would be for them and help bring a sense of normalcy.

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