Wolves Still Looking To Trade Ricky Rubio?

JUNE 26, 10:32am: Despite Scott Layden‘s assertion (noted below) that Rubio will have a “great career” in Minnesota, Marc Stein of ESPN.com (Twitter link) hears that the Timberwolves remain intent on trading the veteran point guard.

A report over the weekend indicated that Minnesota may be eyeing a handful of notable free agent point guards. However, Jon Krawczynski of the AP cautions (via Twitter) that a Rubio deal is “no sure thing.”

JUNE 23, 9:46am: Appearing on KFAN FM 100.3 in Minnesota, Timberwolves GM Scott Layden suggested this morning that the team is planning on keeping Rubio, according to Jon Krawczynski of The Associated Press (Twitter links). Krawczynski acknowledges that things could always change, but says Layden praised Rubio’s second half and added that the point guard will “have a great career here.”

JUNE 22, 8:22pm: After completing the night’s biggest blockbuster, the Timberwolves continue to seek a trade involving Ricky Rubio, reports Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today (via Twitter). According to Zillgitt, the Wolves would plan on finding a new point guard in free agency if they make a deal involving Rubio.

[RELATED: Bulls agree to trade Jimmy Butler to Timberwolves]

In their deal with the Bulls, the Wolves included last year’s fifth overall pick Kris Dunn, who was viewed as Minnesota’s potential point guard of the future. That would appear to open the door for Rubio to hold the job for the foreseeable future without having to look over his shoulder — particularly since another one of the team’s top ball-handlers, Zach LaVine, was sent to Chicago as well. However, it seems that the Wolves may have their eye on another point guard for next season.

Rubio has been linked to a handful of teams in recent months, including the Mavericks, Pistons, and Knicks. One interesting potential trade partner for the Wolves is Utah. The Jazz were reportedly discussing Rubio earlier in the day, and have enough cap room to acquire the veteran point guard immediately without sending out any salary. If the Jazz were to land Rubio, that would likely pave the way for George Hill‘s exit in free agency.

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