Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor said not to expect a Ricky Rubio trade. But Rubio comes up so frequently in trade rumors, and Minnesota just drafted Kris Dunn.
Everyone expects the Timberwolves to shop Rubio eventually.
When they do, the Kings apparently want to talk.
Sacramento’s point guard situation is a mess. Presumed starter Darren Collison is facing domestic-violence charges. Backup Garrett Temple is underwhelming, 30 and signed for three more seasons.
The Kings could absolutely use Rubio.
I’m just not sure how they get him.
DeMarcus Cousins is obviously WAY too much. Rudy Gay – seemingly on the block – shouldn’t be enough. Sacramento could float Willie Cauley-Stein, Georgios Papagiannis, Malachi Richardson and/or Skal Labissiere. But Tom Thibodeau doesn’t strike me as someone looking to get younger. As young as Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine are, that trio could be ready to win very soon. The Kings also already owe the Bulls a protected first-round pick and the 76ers an unprotected first-rounder, which will make it harder to bridge a gap in player values.
Sacramento has enough movable assets where a trade is possible, but this seems like a longshot.