A majority of the past few months has fixated on the Knicks‘ interest Ricky Rubio and several people in the organization want the team to continue pursuing the point guard, ESPN’s Ian Begley writes. Rubio, who will turn 27 in October, was linked to New York up until the trade deadline this past regular season, when a Derrick Rose-for-Rubio swap nearly completed.
Rubio enjoyed arguably his best season ever, posting career-highs in PPG (11.1), APG (9.1), and field goal percentage (40.2 percent) through 75 games. However, Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau has indicated that the team views 2016 draft pick Kris Dunn as a mainstay at point guard. Begley reported last month that the Timberwolves view the aforementioned Rose as a target in free agency, which would displace Rubio and make a trade more likely.
The Knicks — who own the eighth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft — are also currently in talks with the Trail Blazers about potentially acquiring another first-round pick. So whether it’s Rubio or the draft, the Knicks figure to be one of the most active teams in free agency and the trade market this offseason.
- In a separate piece for ESPN, Begley examines how Carmelo Anthony‘s $8.1 MM trade kicker impacts his value this offseason. The kicker would have different ramifications if he’s dealt on or before certain dates. If Anthony is traded before June 30, the kicker can be spread out over the 2016/17 and 2017/18 seasons; if he’s traded before July 1, it’s spread out over two seasons; if he’s traded after July 1, the entire kicker is factored into his 2017/18 salary. Begley’s thorough examination also includes information on how several potentially interested teams would need to free up salary to accommodate the 10-time All-Star.
- Knicks legend Charles Oakley appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court yesterday and rejected a deal to drop charges stemming from a February 8 incident at Madison Square Garden. Once again from Begley, Oakley’s trial date was set for August 4; he was hit with five charges after a physical run-in with MSG security, including two misdemeanors of assault, two misdemeanors of harassment and one misdemeanor of trespassing. Oakley, who played in New York a decade, has historically had a bad relationship with team owner James Dolan, who Oakley accused of unfairly kicking him out of The Garden.
If rubio its gonna be landing somewhere it has to be Dallas Mavs’ they really need a playmaker then let Farrell came up the bench.
I think Rubio would be a great fit in Brooklyn around their shooters. They could also use the defensive uptick, and Rubio is young enough to fit around their other youth
I don’t want the Wolves to trade him, but it sounds like he wants out. I think he’d be a great addition to the Mavs. Carlisle would bring out the best in him. Just hope the Wolves get something of value in return.
I’m hopeful nothing comes of it this offseason, Thibs finds a way to get both Rubio and Dunn their minutes next season, the team takes a big leap forward and everyone is happy as the Wolves creep into the playoffs.
The Lakers 28th pick and Deng for Rubio and someone else to make the money work. Thibs is probably still has a sweet spot in his heart for Deng.
lol. A lot of reporters are predicting Ball to the Lakers at 2, they have Russell, and now they’re trading for Rubio on top of it? I don’t think that’s happening. Lakers are stuck with that (terrible) contract with Deng.