Ricky Rubio, Minnesota Timberwolves
Position: Point Guard
Age: 26 (10/21/1990)
Experience: 6th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .402/.306/.891
2016-17 Season Averages: 32.9 MPG, 11.1 PPG, 9.1 APG, 4.1 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 0.8 3PM
During the second half of the 2016-17 NBA regular season, the Minnesota Timberwolves saw just how brilliant a player Ricky Rubio can be when his shot is falling. It was a disappointing result for the New York Knicks, which attempted to trade for Rubio.
If the Timberwolves are willing to part ways with Rubio and a package that includes other valuable assets, then Carmelo Anthony could be moved.
There’s no telling if Anthony would accept a trade to Minnesota, but it’s something worth exploring. Said move would result in Anthony playing for a coach he respects in Tom Thibodeau—a coach who also wields the power of a general manager.
Thus, while Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins may be young, they play for a successful coach and have enough experience together to bring an older star into the mix.
As for the Knicks, acquiring Rubio would mean landing a point guard who can facilitate the growth of Kristaps Porzingis and Willy Hernangomez. In addition to sharing Liga ACB roots, Rubio is one of the best facilitators in the NBA.
For perspective, Rubio averaged 16.0 points, 10.5 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.0 3-point field goals made in 24 games after the 2017 All-Star Break.