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5 Ricky Rubio trades that we all can live with

By Dan Voicescu

Jan 24, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) and head coach Tom Thibodeau against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Timberwolves defeated the Suns 112-111. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) and head coach Tom Thibodeau against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Timberwolves defeated the Suns 112-111. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 30, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) during a game at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 106-104. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) during a game at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 106-104. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Rubio heads to Broadway

The New York Knicks, the league’s favorite redheaded stepchild possess two attributes that make Madison Square Garden a likely destination for Ricky Rubio:

The first is a surprisingly strong inclination to recruit and build around Euro players. The “Euro Knicks” feature three key components who all plied their trade in Spain (Kuzminskas, Porzingis and Hernangomez), although neither of them is a point guard. Adding point guard Ricky Rubio is the next logical step here.

A dire need for a “pass-first” point guard. As the season has progressed, the chances of Derick Rose being re-signed decreased exponentially. Rose averages only four assists per game and has not been exactly a nurturing veteran presence. Brandon Jennings is a viable back-up option, as he has thrived off the bench at times, but he’s not a quality starting point guard. This is all to say the Knicks are very much in need of some help.

This trade would hinge on a variety of factors; the willingness of the Wolves to take on Rose’s expiring contract, the Knicks’ willingness to build around a guy like Rubio who has had injury woes of his own. With Phil Jackson focusing on a potential Carmelo Anthony trade, what is the appetite around the Knicks organization to focus on a separate deal not involving Melo?

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