NBA Rumors: According to reports, the Minnesota Timberwolves have a agreed to trade Rick Rubio to the Utah Jazz
The Minnesota Timberwolves have traded Ricky Rubio to the Utah Jazz for a 2018 first-round pick (lottery protected), according to reports.
Originally, ESPN’s Marc Stein reported that the two teams were discussing a trade involving Rubio. Then, Tony Jones of the Salt Lake Tribune then reported that the deal was finalized and was happening.
"[via ESPN]"
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"I’m told Minnesota will be get a 2018 first-round pound to trade Ricky Rubio into Utah cap space. @tribjazz first to report deal happening"
This is big news because with free agency a mere hours away, Utah’s biggest name will hit the open market. Gordon Hayward already has free agent meetings set up with the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and Utah Jazz heading into the the weekend.
Interestingly, it was reported that Hayward wanted the team to re-sign George Hill, who will also be a free agent July 1. Although, the team didn’t want to tie up a ton of money in Hill, evidently.
Instead, they’re essentially telling Hayward: “Well, we couldn’t afford Hill, but we’ll give you Ricky Rubio, who still has several years remaining on his contract, instead.”
Question is, will that be enough to appease Gordon Hayward when it comes time for him to make his decision.
It’s difficult to tell this early in the process, but it certainly can’t be worse than the team not having a starting point guard in place while the other two teams in the running for his services have above average lead guards (Isaiah Thomas, Goran Dragic) already on their roster.
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Rubio is a solid point guard, but leaves plenty to be desired. During the latter portion of last season, though, was playing arguably the best ball of his career.
Buckle up, we’re just getting started.