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NBA Trade Rumors: Timberwolves, Pistons discussing Ricky Rubio for Reggie Jackson

By Rob Wolkenbrod

Jan 15, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) warms up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) warms up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Timberwolves and Pistons are reportedly eyeing a swap of Ricky Rubio and Reggie Jackson.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have shopped Ricky Rubio for pretty much the past 6-8 months, dating back to the 2016 NBA Draft. This saw them take fellow point guard Kris Dunn with one of the top picks. Despite this, Rubio remains on the team.

Regarding Reggie Jackson, he went from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Detroit Pistons during the 2014-15 season and thrived upon arrival. This saw him average 18.8 points per game in 2015-16 and receive a five-year, $80 million contract extensions prior to that.

How could these two players tie into each other then? Well, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Timberwolves and Pistons are discussing a swap involving Rubio and Jackson.

If the Pistons were to acquire Rubio, they would be on the hook for two more years at around $29 million total. Jackson would be owed three years and about $61 million as well. The Wolves would take on more salary and years in this deal, but receive the player that has produced more during the 2016-17 season, even despite an injury.

Through 23 games, Jackson is averaging 16.7 points and 5.3 assists. He is shooting 43 percent from the field and 37 percent from three-point range.

Rubio is shooting 37 percent from the field through 38 games. He’s averaging a career-low in points with 7.7 and the second fewest assist rate of his six years in the NBA with 7.9

If this deal were to go through, this would likely keep Dunn in a bench role for the foreseeable future. He has struggled with his shot at 37 percent through 43 games. However, the rookie point guard has played over 20 minutes just six times since November 5. The Wolves also have second-year pro Tyus Jones, who has flashed promise in very limited action. The 20-year-old put up four points and four assists in 12 minutes on Thursday night.

As for the Pistons, this would likely give Rubio a starting role while potentially sharing minutes with Ish Smith. The journeyman guard has averaged 24.5 minutes per game with 21 starts.

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This deal would certainly shake up the guard situation for both struggling franchises. If it goes down, it would also be the first significant trade in what could be a busy time for the NBA soon.

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