The Minnesota Timberwolves are days away from trading Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers, but reports are surfacing that the team is also exploring trades for point guard Ricky Rubio.
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According to multiple media outlets, the Timberwolves are exploring all options with the roster they currently have and the idea of trading Rubio before he demands big money has been discussed. The Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets are among the teams that are rumored to be interested in Rubio’s service.
The 23-year-old Rubio will be a restricted free agent after the 2014-15 season and has made it clear that he believes his play has warranted a max contract from the Timberwolves. Minnesota, on the other hand, has been reluctant to offer Rubio anything close to a max deal and will not match if Rubio lands a max deal with another team. The difference in money could prompt Minnesota to consider life without Rubio and spark a trade that could net some assets.
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Rubio has played three seasons with the Timberwolves since coming over to the NBA from Spain and has averaged 10.1 points, 8.1 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game. The Timberwolves were 40-42 last season and finished 10th in the Western Conference.
Rubio was recently named the No. 9 point guard in the NBA for the 2014-15 season by ESPN.com.
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