Timberwolves continue to test Ricky Rubio’s trade value

It’s that time of year again. For Ricky Rubio’s name to once again be heavily mentioned in trade rumors around the NBA. For the past few seasons his name mainly trends either during the trade deadline or in the offseason, and the latter once again become relevant.

With the Minnesota Timberwolves parting ways with Kris Dunn after one season, it looked like Rubio’s starting gig was in the clear. Until reports surfaced of team being interested in unrestricted free agents in George Hill, Kyle Lowry, Jrue Holiday and Jeff Teague, according to Mitch Lawrence of Sporting News.

All of the point guards in the report from Lawrence have a strength which is Rubio’s weakness: shooting. Marc Stein of ESPN relays the Timberwolves are “intent” on dealing their pass-first guard for more shooting on the court. The guards in Lawrence’s report fit the description and could make the team more interesting on the court.

With a point guard threat on the court to shoot the ball along with the newly acquired Jimmy Butler to go with the rising Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns. The team becomes more intriguing on paper.

If one had to guess, Hill might be the more ideal player for a Tom Thibodeau team. Thibodeau in some ways is similar to Gregg Popovich, Hill’s first NBA coach. Hill has established himself as a reliable shooter, defender and playmaker. The Jazz have explored trade possibilities involving Rubio, per Jody Genessy of The Deseret News. In the report it was relayed there is no traction in talks, but it was a possibility.

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Free agency begins this upcoming Saturday on July 1 and more rumors will go haywire regarding Rubio. The Spaniard has two years left on his contract, after having one of the best seasons of his young career.  Throughout the 2016-17 season he averaged 11.1 points and 9.7 assists, both career-highs.