Now that the Timberwolves have drafted Kris Dunn with the fifth overall pick in the NBA Draft, Ricky Rubio's time in Minnesota may be coming to an end.
Dunn was the one rumored to be heading elsewhere in a couple of different reported trade talks. However, the Timberwolves look to be keeping the rookie out of Providence.
At least that's what The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting:
Minnesota has been shopping Ricky Rubio throughout the week. His future in Minnesota is likely coming to an end.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) June 24, 2016
Averaging 10.1 points, 8.7 assists, 2.1 steals and a career-low 2.5 turnovers, Rubio is coming off one of his better years in Minnesota. Injuries have plagued Rubio in the past, but he was mainly healthy last season, playing in 76 games. However Rubio's shooting (37.4 percent and 32.6 from three), remains poor. Rubio is still 25 years old though and coupled with his passing ability, should help the Timberwolves find a willing trade partner.
However Minnesota may actually end up keeping Rubio, as Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau believes he can play alongside Dunn. From the Associated Press' Jon Krawczynski:
Taking a point guard fifth overall immediately led to questions about Rubio's future in Minnesota. Rubio has spent five years with the Timberwolves and is coming off of his best season as a pro. Thibodeau insisted that the 6-foot-4 Dunn could play with Rubio to form an imposing defensive backcourt.
"They have good size, they have good toughness," Thibodeau said. "It's a different look. I think you're seeing more and more of that now where you have two point guards on the floor. They're both capable of playing off each other."
Dunn said he would have no problem playing behind Rubio, and his presence would be a big upgrade for a team that struggled to find a capable backup at point guard last season. Rookie Tyus Jones wasn't quite physically ready for the job and LaVine proved to be much more comfortable at shooting guard.
"I can't wait," Dunn said. "We're both pass-first point guards and he's very good at getting guys involved. I think he knows the game very well and I can't wait to play under him and learn a lot and just come in and work hard."
Dunn has yet to play a single game, so it is probably a good idea for the Timberwolves to see how he plays first before making a decision on Rubio. And maybe Thibodeau could be right, Dunn and Rubio may play well off each other. But if the pairing doesn't work, Rubio may likely be the odd man out.
