Bulls, Knicks Among Potential Ricky Rubio Suitors?

The Bulls and Knicks are among the teams that have interest in Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio, multiple sources tell Sam Amico of AmicoHoops.net. A report out of Spain also linked Chicago and New York to Rubio, who is reportedly being “actively” shopped by the Wolves.

A report surfaced on Friday suggesting that the Wolves and Pistons had engaged in discussions that involved Rubio and Detroit point guard Reggie Jackson. However, Stan Van Gundy downplayed those rumblings over the weekend, and indicated that if such a deal was discussed, it may have happened because Minnesota called about Jackson.

If the Wolves are indeed shopping Rubio, it makes sense that the team would have called clubs like the Pistons, Bulls, and Knicks, who have had some questions at the point guard spot this season. In Detroit’s case, Jackson struggled out of the gate following an injury, but has played better as of late, explaining the Pistons’ reluctance to move him. In Chicago and New York though, the long-term outlook at point guard is a little less clear.

The Bulls signed Rajon Rondo to a short-term contract last summer, but he hasn’t been an ideal fit in Chicago, and the odds of him sticking with the team into the 2017/18 season don’t look great — his salary for next year is partially guaranteed for just $3MM. As for the Knicks, they made a major offseason trade to land Derrick Rose, but Rose’s performance in New York has been up and down, and his contract expires this summer.

Rubio, under contract through the 2018/19 season, would represent a more stable long-term option at the point for the Bulls or Knicks, but it’s not clear if either team’s interest is strong enough to make a deal. To date, the Wolves haven’t received the kind of offer they’re seeking for Rubio.

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