As the Timberwolves have begun to play more of their young players, Minnesota has received calls from teams on several of their veterans, including Ed Davis, Ricky Rubio, Juancho Hernangomez and Jake Layman, HoopsHype has learned.
More on Ricky Rubio Trade?
But he was on the treadmill at his gym on Nov. 16 when he saw a tweet come across his feed. “It’s not the way you want to know, especially my agent was talking with the team and they said my name was off the table when all the rumors and all the stuff happened,” Rubio said. “You feel like everything that they have said to you all year and buying into a new project and a young team and they need you, blah, blah, blah. It seems like nothing’s true.”
Rubio the rookie was so much fun, wind in his hair as he surged up the court with teammates’ eyes wide open knowing full well a pass could be coming from any angle when they least expected it. Rubio the veteran has been hardened by the business side of the game. There is an edge to him now, one that will help him hold players accountable and speak his mind when something needs to be said. “Things have changed. Ten years change your life,” Rubio said. “I’m a different player, but I’m a different man, too.”
Dane Moore: The Timberwolves' trade for Ricky Rubio, according to Gersson Rosas: Minnesota receives: Ricky Rubio, No. 28 (Jaden McDaniels) Oklahoma City receives: James Johnson, No. 17 (Aleksej Pokusevski), Minnesota's 2024 2nd round pick A little different mechanically than expected.
Alberto de Roa: Ricky Rubio [trade made official]. pic.twitter.com/FF3C5RIDZZ
Shams Charania: Minnesota is trading James Johnson to Oklahoma City as part of the Ricky Rubio trade, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium .
When he was traded to rebuilding OKC, Rubio and his representatives at Excel Sports immediately started looking for a team that wants to compete, sources said. After canvassing the league and understanding how motivated the Wolves were to make a trade, Rubio quickly warmed to the idea of a return to Minnesota, sources said.
Best of all for Rubio, he is in line to get a chance to play for Saunders, a coach he trusts implicitly. He has always wanted that connection with a coach. He didn’t have it with Thibodeau. He thought he had it with Monty Williams. He knows he has it with Saunders, to the point that if Saunders wants to bring Rubio off the bench, it is an idea the veteran is open to, sources said.
The Timberwolves are in talks with Oklahoma City to bring Ricky Rubio back to where it all began. The talks center around the 17th overall pick going to Oklahoma City in return for Rubio and pick Nos. 25 and 28, sources tell The Athletic. There could be other moving parts included in the deal, but it will give coach Ryan Saunders another ballhandler to pair with D’Angelo Russell in the backcourt.
As soon as Rubio was traded to the Thunder, the Timberwolves set their sights on bringing the popular Spaniard back, sources said. The Wolves were interested in signing Rubio when he was a free agent last summer, but Rubio signed a three-year deal with Phoenix instead.
Dane Moore: Ricky Rubio and Ryan Saunders are *tight*. Everyone in Minnesota loves Ricky Rubio. And, oh yeah, Ricky Rubio can PLAY. LET'S GO.
Ricky Rubio and the Phoenix Suns missed the playoffs last season but had an impressive run in the bubble to finish their season on a good note. However, Rubio won’t get a chance to ride the momentum, not with the Suns at least, as he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder and he didn’t expect that move. “It was a surprise, especially because of the communication that there has been. When the rumors about my transfer, I called my people and they told me that my name was not on the table,” he said to ‘La Ventana’.
Rubio has been disappointed with the development and doesn’t like the way the players get treated. “By signing a contract you accept the conditions, but there are ways and means. Players are privileged, but those who are in charge of these things have to understand that, in addition to being players, we are also people. It is not a dish of good taste that when you are involved in a project, you leave your skin and are working hard, but at the first chance you have to go,” he explained.
The Phoenix Suns today acquired point guard Chris Paul and forward Abdel Nader from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Kelly Oubre Jr., Ricky Rubio, Ty Jerome, Jalen Lecque and a protected 2022 first-round pick.
Adrian Wojnarowski: The deal sends Chris Paul and Abdel Nader to the Suns for Kelly Oubre, Ricky Rubio, Ty Jerome, Jalen Lecque and a 2022 first-round pick, sources tell ESPN.
Shams Charania: OKC has traded Chris Paul to Phoenix for Ricky Rubio, Kelly Oubre, Ty Jerome, Jalen Lecque and draft compensation, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
Eric Woodyard: Derrick Favors’ camp has been in touch with the Jazz, and to their understanding, the trade rumors are real with him and Rubio being linked to a Mike Conley Jr. deal. However, both players are still here in Utah and remain focused on the Suns tonight until further notice.
It’s been firmly reported that the Utah Jazz have been offering Ricky Rubio and their 2019 pick for Mike Conley, which doesn’t quite work financially. Utah has to add more money to the deal. The working assumption off of that report has been that the Jazz would be more likely to want to add Derrick Favors ($17 million non-guaranteed next season), while the Grizzlies would prefer young guard Dante Exum (roughly $10 million in each of the next two seasons).
The Athletic’s Jazz writer Tony Jones said on a podcast last night that the Jazz have added a second-round pick to their offer. There’s not just smoke around Conley to the Jazz. The flames are pretty visible.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Utah Jazz have made an offer to the Memphis Grizzlies involving Ricky Rubio and a 2019 first round pick for point guard Mike Conley, The Salt Lake Tribune has learned.
The Grizzlies didn’t immediately accept the offer, though considered it in the context of other offers that they’ve been getting for Conley from other teams around the league.
Memphis says they’ve received offers including better first round picks than the Jazz’s — currently slated to be the No. 19 pick — from teams around the league. One team reportedly also interested in Conley is the Detroit Pistons, sources said. As a result, the Jazz may have to weigh whether or not to include additional picks or assets if they choose to acquire Conley before Thursday’s trade deadline.
Andy Larsen: A note: if Jazz acquire player with long term, big-money deal that has money in 2021-22 (say, Jrue Holiday), they could end up having to pay the luxury tax to retain that player + Mitchell + Gobert. But Miller ownership has given FO permission to enter tax in such a situation.
With the NBA trade deadline less than two weeks away, members of the Utah Jazz certainly aren’t oblivious to the outside chatter surrounding them. Memphis’ Mike Conley Jr. and Washington’s Otto Porter Jr. are among the names reportedly being thrown around in Jazz land as possible targets. But as the Twitter general managers debate and numerous reports surface, Ricky Rubio sees his name being thrust into potential deals without much emotion.
“I was in Minnesota traded like 20 times,” Rubio said. “Until it doesn’t happen, you have to really don’t pay attention to that. A lot of them are just rumors and just 5 percent are true, so if it happens it happens, but I’m committed 100 percent to this team, to the community, and nothing’s going to change.”
Even with the Jazz winning seven of their last eight games, players understand the NBA is a business always in search of better opportunities — hence, former Jazzman Alec Burks learning he was traded for Kyle Korver ahead of the Jazz’s road contest versus Brooklyn in November. “Sometimes we forget, but this is a business and we saw it with AB (Alec Burks), a guy who was here eight years, and right before a game he was gone, and that’s it,” Rubio recalled. “That hits you. “As a team, it’s hard when a trade happens, especially when you have a team that connected, but I know and understand it’s a business and Kyle (Korver) is helping the team a lot,” he continued. “It was a great move so there’s balance to putting too much commitment to being a friend to somebody. That happens at every work; if they got a better job offer or the boss just decides to cut personnel, that happens. It happens in every business. I understand that this is a game and that’s why we love the game, but at the end of the day it’s a business.”
The Utah Jazz have made all players aside from Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert and Joe Ingles available, league sources say, leaving Ricky Rubio and Raul Neto on the block. Rubio still has one year and over $14 million left on his contract, rendering him a much more difficult player to move. Neto’s $1.5 million deal is non-guaranteed after this season, and could easily fit on several team’s cap sheets.
Sam Amick on Utah: “Listen, my understanding of Utah’s situation is that they’re as much of an open shop as there is in the league right now. Whether it’s Derrick Favors or Rodney Hood or even Ricky Rubio, they want to turn the page. They want to maximize Rudy Gobert’s prime. … Utah is going to look at everything right now. They obviously don’t feel like they have their core and they’re trying to figure things out. But yeah, I think Rodney gets moved. I think Derrick will draw decent interest. And the Rubio one, I didn’t know what to make of it. But if they are truly open to parting ways with Ricky, I think he’d have a good market too.”
The Utah Jazz announced today that following the successful outcome of his physical, the team’s acquisition of point guard Ricky Rubio from Minnesota is complete and Rubio is now officially a member of the Utah Jazz.
Ricky Rubio: Basketball brought me here 6 years ago. I didn't know much about Minnesota, and now I'm proud to call it home. You never know what this journey will bring you, and I wouldn't change a bit of mine over the last 6 years. I remember arriving here like it was yesterday. I stepped out of the airport and was overwhelmed with your support. It's something I'll never forget.
Ricky Rubio: What we have in Minnesota is special and you don't know that until you live there. You helped me to grow as a player, but more importantly as a person. I learned a lot, met incredible people who became part of my family and will always be in my heart.... especially you, Flip. I gave my best night after night. I'm sorry we couldn't make the playoffs because you deserve it. I am grateful to the Timberwolves organization and all of my coaches, trainers and staff. Finally, I want to thank all of the amazing teammates I was fortunate to play alongside for the last 6 years. I wish nothing but the best for you guys.
Rudy Gobert: Let's get it @rickyrubio9 !!!
Rudy Gobert: Let's get it @Ricky Rubio !!!
Patrick Fenelon: Worth noting: Ricky really really really doesn't like Rudy Gobert. That could be fascinating. Rudy Gobert: You can delete your account now 😂
The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has acquired point guard Ricky Rubio from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for a protected future first-round pick from Oklahoma City, pending the outcome of a successful physical.
Tony Jones: The Ricky Rubio trade is happening, sources tell The Salt Lake Tribune. Deal is close to being done
Spencer Checketts: Breaking News: The Utah Jazz have reached a deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves to acquire Ricky Rubio.
Spencer Checketts: The Jazz will send Oklahoma City's 1st round pick to Minnesota in exchange for Rubio.
Marc Stein: I'm told Minnesota will be get a 2018 first-round pound to trade Ricky Rubio into Utah cap space. @Tony Jones first to report deal happening
Shams Charania: Minnesota and Utah are in active discussions on a deal to send guard Ricky Rubio to the Jazz, league sources tell The Vertical.
Ricky Rubio: I don't like rumors. From my experience, I feel a bit uncomfortable with all those rumors. Till it happens (if it happens), you don't have to pay attention to rumors. One would like to get a bit more respect from the club, but that's how business works and they look for what's best for them without thinking about the player and you have to accept it.
Marc Stein: Follow-up to yesterday's Ricky Rubio story: League sources say Utah is among the teams to express trade interest in the veteran point guard.
Marc Stein: League sources say Minnesota, in the wake of the Jimmy Butler deal, remains intent on trading Ricky Rubio as it searches for more shooting.
Jon Krawczynski: Wolves certainly considering trade scenarios for Rubio as free agency nears. I'll caution though: it's by no means a sure thing.
Jon Krawcynski: Obviously things can change quickly, but Layden said wolves were excited about Rubio's 2nd half. "He's going to have a great career here."
Jeff Zillgitt: Hearing the Timberwolves are still trying to trade Ricky Rubio and find a new point guard via free agency.
The Timberwolves aren’t content with their point guard situation and, according to league sources, are pushing hard to trade veteran Ricky Rubio. There is also some uncertainty in the organization about Kris Dunn, who was their top selection last season.
Adrian Wojnarowski: Once again, Ricky Rubio is an active name in Minnesota's trade discussions, league sources tell @The Vertical.
Sources say Mavs and Timberwolves discussed swapping Wesley Matthews and the No. 9 pick for Ricky Rubio and No. 7. However, a source described those talks as "dead" at this point.
Mike Fisher: #Mavs have had in-house talks about the trade availability of #Timberwolves PG Ricky Rubio - and about drafting PG Frank Ntilikina, too.
Mike Fisher: #Mavs have had in-house talks about the trade availability of #Timberwolves PG Ricky Rubio - and about drafting PG Frank Ntilikina, too.
There’s another guard who is on the Knicks’ radar though -- and he isn’t draft eligible. Some members of the organization would again like to try to pursue Minnesota’s Ricky Rubio in a trade this offseason, sources said. The Knicks were close to completing a deal shortly before the trade deadline centered around Derrick Rose and Rubio. Talks continued until shortly before the deadline.
Per league sources with knowledge of the situation, some Knicks decision-makers see trading for Rubio as a viable option this offseason.
The worst-kept secret in the NBA is that the Timberwolves are ready to move on from guard Ricky Rubio, and it seems that Rubio may feel the same way. The Wolves entertained a few things last summer involving Rubio and revisited his trade value at the trade deadline back in February. The problem with moving Rubio around the draft is that he counts $13.5 million against the cap in trade at the draft. That number increases to $14.25 million in July, but some teams would have cap space to offset that number. Rubio has one more season after next on his deal, making the remaining debt to Rubio two years and roughly $29 million.
Sources near the Knicks situation said it’s also possible the team looks to Rubio as the immediate answer at point guard and swings for the fences in the draft targeting a huge upside player like Jonathan Isaac, especially as the Knicks try to move on from Carmelo Anthony this summer.
Maybe Jeff Schwartz will think it's nice to have a relationship with certain NBA teams when it comes time to find a home for Ricky Rubio. Up until the last couple days, Rubio, the 26-year-old Minnesota point guard, has been repped by Fegan. His unavailability has sent Rubio across the street to Schwartz, and while I'm not at all predicting this makes for some automatic pipeline of Rubio to Dallas, it is worth adding another log to the fire of what the Mavs want to do at point guard here. The other logs? *The Timberwolves have been dangling Rubio in trade for 18 months. *Their Draft Night plans -- draft another point guard in addition to the kid Kris Dunn? -- might put Rubio on the market at an even cheaper price.
The Mavs have no interest in paying "trade-market value'' for Rubio or for Phoenix point Eric Bledsoe ... though on Draft Night, their price might be at an all-time low because picks are golden right then, moreso than players.
One other two-way player to keep an eye on? Ricky Rubio. Some in the organization were hopeful after the trade deadline that they could revisit their attempts to acquire Rubio from the Minnesota Timberwolves in the offseason, per sources.
Ricky Rubio on if he wants to stay in Minnesota and win there: "I want to win." When asked if he wants to win as a member of the Timberwolves: "We'll see. It's not my call. I have two years left here and they make the calls."
There are members of the organization who also see Jrue Holiday and Jeff Teague as free agent targets. At the deadline, some discussed the idea of revisiting trade talks for Minnesota's Ricky Rubio as well.
His Minnesota Timberwolves had conversations with several teams, perhaps most notably with the New York Knicks as the deadline approached Thursday afternoon. In the end, the Wolves decided not to trade their point guard for Derrick Rose, meaning they will make their push for the eighth seed in the Western Conference with Rubio as their starter. "As pros, we know what's the deal. But yeah, this time felt a little different," Rubio said Thursday. "It's all rumors. Until it doesn't go down, you don't believe it."
Wolves president and coach Tom Thibodeau said the team never got very close to making a move with Rubio or anyone else. But when asked if he felt compelled to talk to Rubio after the harried couple of days of rumors, Thibodeau said he had no plans to seek that out. "You're expected to be professional," Thibodeau said. "Everyone has a job to do. Come in, do your job. You can't get lost in the other stuff. That's what the expectations are."
For much of Thursday afternoon, the Knicks and Timberwolves were locked in a staring contest in their talks on a potential Derrick Rose deal. Phil Jackson and the Knicks were looking for a second asset in a potential Rose-for-Ricky Rubio swap, per sources. The Timberwolves were unwilling to give up that second asset, whether it was a draft pick or a player. They made that stance clear as late as a half-hour before the deadline. It became a matter of who would blink first.
Shortly before the deadline, sources say members of the Knicks organization lowered their demands of that second asset. According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Knicks eventually offered the Wolves a Rubio-for-Rose trade, straight up. Sources say that deal was offered minutes before the deadline. According to Stein, Minnesota balked at the deal.
Marc Stein: At the finish line, league sources say, New York was prepared to trade Derrick Rose for Ricky Rubio straight up. But the Wolves balked.
Marc Stein: On Deadline Day, Minnesota ultimately decided to walk away from the Ricky Rubio-for-Derrick Rose trade, league sources say
Ian Begley: A half hour ago, MIN had been unwilling to give up an additional asset in talks with NYK on a Rose trade, per source. Who blinks first here?
Adrian Wojnarowski: Minnesota remains engaged with several teams on a Ricky Rubio trade, including New York, league sources tell @The Vertical.
Marc Stein: The Knicks and Timberwolves remain engaged in trade talks toward a deal headlined by Derrick Rose and Ricky Rubio, league sources tell ESPN.
Tim Bontemps: Ricky Rubio remains available, with Wolves having talked to Knicks, Pistons and others. After weeks of talks, hard to see him not moving.
Sam Amick: The T-Wolves have continued to shop Ricky Rubio to non-Knicks teams too, even as they've continued to talk with NY about a Derrick Rose deal
Jake Fischer: The Timberwolves are willing to part with Shabazz Muhammad to help move Ricky Rubio, according to multiple sources.
Adrian Wojnarowski: Minnesota's Ricky Rubio remains a significant target for the Knicks today, league sources tell @The Vertical.
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Wolves coach Tom Thibodeau declined to address that he and his team have held negotiations to trade Rubio to New York in a deal for forthcoming free-agent Derrick Rose or points elsewhere, among other reported discussions that also include reserve forward Shabazz Muhammad.
The team’s prime candidate to be traded by then, point guard Ricky Rubio, declined interview requests after Wednesday’s practice, choosing to wait until after practice on Thursday.
Minnesota arrived at the All-Star break a mere 3.5 games out of the eighth playoff spot in the Western Conference, and rival front offices are becoming more skeptical that Thibodeau will pull the trigger on a Rubio deal. One thing about Thibodeau: He has a visceral need to win games, and there's a feeling both inside and outside his organization that he lacks the patience to turn the team—and the season—over to an inexperienced point guard. "It's not like Kris Dunn is knocking the door down," one of the rival executives said.
Even if the Wolves do trade Rubio, there's a belief among rival teams that it would signal Thibodeau's intention to pursue a veteran point guard in free agency, such as George Hill or even Rose himself — not that Dunn was ascending to the starting job.
