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Knicks Trade Rumors: Players Who Are Already Available

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 10, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) passes the ball against Los Angeles Lakers center Timofey Mozgov (20) during the second half at Golden 1 Center. The Lakers won the game 101-91. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) passes the ball against Los Angeles Lakers center Timofey Mozgov (20) during the second half at Golden 1 Center. The Lakers won the game 101-91. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) speaks with head coach Tom Thibodeau (L) on the sideline against the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center. The Kings won 106-103. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) speaks with head coach Tom Thibodeau (L) on the sideline against the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center. The Kings won 106-103. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Ricky Rubio, Minnesota Timberwolves

Position: Point Guard
Age: 26 (10/21/1990)
Experience: 6th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .450/.286/.500
2016-17 Season Averages: 30.3 MPG, 6.5 PPG, 7.4 APG, 3.8 RPG, 1.8 SPG

It’s one of the NBA’s worst kept secrets that the Minnesota Timberwolves will eventually trade Ricky Rubio. Tom Thibodeau, true to form, isn’t yet ready to name rookie Kris Dunn the full-time starter, but that, too, is all a matter of patience.

Considering both of the New York Knicks’ point guards are on expiring contracts, Rubio would solve the issue of having to sign two point guards under a ridiculous salary cap.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, the Timberwolves are simply waiting for Kris Dunn to establish himself before trading Rubio.

"There is still time until the 2016 NBA draft’s fifth overall selection, Kris Dunn, takes over as the Minnesota Timberwolves’ point guard – which is why the franchise is still resisting trade overtures for Ricky Rubio, league sources told The Vertical."

Thibodeau’s loyalty to Derrick Rose could create the potential for a Rose-for-Rubio swap at some point in 2016-17. That’d be a dangerous move for the Knicks, however, as Rose is one of the only players on the roster who can consistently create penetration.

Rubio is one of the most well-rounded players in the NBA, however, and combines his defensive proficiency with a cost-efficient contract at $42.3 million through 2018-19.

In 2016-17, Rubio ranked No. 2 amongst point guards in Defensive Real Plus-MInus and No. 2 overall with 2.13 steals per game. Rubio led the league with 3.35 steals per 48 minutes and continue to be one of the best facilitators in the Association.

Rubio’s shot is still horrendous, but if Jeff Hornacek taught himself to shoot by taping his thumb to his hand, then perhaps he could find similar success with Rubio.

Must Read: Why isn't Derrick Rose getting foul calls?

Though it all sounds ideal on paper, Rubio’s injury history and erratic nature as a scorer may be too much of a gamble for the Knicks to commit to.

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