Ricky Rubio says Timberwolves 'almost traded' him this season, GM denies it
The Timberwolves have an exciting young core of players that would seem to be primed to make a fairly significant leap over the next few seasons. The overtime win over the invincible Warriors on Tuesday wasn't a fluke, because Minnesota has real talent on its roster that only needs a little more time to develop before becoming a legitimate threat in the coming years.
But one of the team's longest-tenured players may not be there when things finally begin to turn around.
Ricky Rubio has a decent enough NBA skill set, especially in terms of court vision and running the offense. But while his shooting has showed signs of improvement late this season, his numbers have remained stagnant five years into his career.
The Timberwolves can do better at the position, so it makes sense that they'd listen to trade offers where Rubio is concerned. And Rubio himself (via the Associated Press) says he was told directly that he was almost moved at the deadline this season.
Rubio said Newton told him that he was "almost traded, but we didn't because the other team didn't offer what we wanted."
"When the GM comes to you and says that's what happened, it hurts, but you've got to be professional," Rubio said. "You've been here all your career and thinking they were supporting you. At some point, they weren't. But I'm professional. I'm going to give it my all. I love playing basketball and every time I step on the court I want to win."
But Newton believes Rubio may have misinterpreted the conversation the two had after the trade deadline passed.
"I told him we've never, ever called another team to trade you, but it is my job to listen," Newton said. "I even shared that with his agent. I never told him we almost traded you, because we didn't almost trade him."The Bucks made multiple offers to Minnesota for Rubio, but none strong enough for the Timberwolves to pull the trigger on a deal in the middle of the season.
It's fun to talk about trade rumors in the NBA, perhaps more than in any other sport, because players who are real difference-makers can be dealt for a variety of reasons not necessarily related to their individual on-court performance.
But Rubio was just 1-of-6 from the field with nine assists and four turnovers in the win over the Warriors, and that's just not good enough from your starting point guard in 34 on-court minutes. Minnesota won that game in spite of him, which is why the team will continue to be tempted to move him if the right offer comes along.
