NBA Rumors: Minnesota Timberwolves Eye Ricky Rubio Cash In; PG Refuses Trade, Targets Extension with Andrew Wiggins, Kevin Garnett

By Mitch de Leon
NBA: Toronto Raptors at Minnesota Timberwolves
Feb 10, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) and guard Zach LaVine (8) talk during the a free throw during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 117-112.  Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been widely recognized as one of the most promising teams in the NBA today. With a very young core and under the tutelage of the veteran Kevin Garnett, the basketball team is gaining attention as a group to watch out for. However, it looks like some changes might be necessary to give the Minnesota Timberwolves the necessary push they need to reach their potential.

At the moment, the Minnesota Timberwolves are at the bottom of the Western Conference - more than 10 NBA teams away from the Golden State Warriors on top. With basketball squads like the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers getting stronger by the day, the Andrew Wiggins team must find ways to claw their way out of the bottom rankings. One of the most widely rumored change the Minnesota Timberwolves are eyeing is the possibility of moving Ricky Rubio to another team. In doing so, sports experts believe that the NBA team will have more space to sign additional stars. Also, Rubio's exit could give Zach LaVine to reach his maximum potential.

"Zach LaVine was nothing short of spectacular in winning his second straight Slam Dunk title on Saturday and by the end of this week he may win something else; the starting point guard job for the Minnesota Timberwolves," Frank Isola of the New York Daily News. He further commented, "Incumbent Ricky Rubio is readily available, and the feeling is that the Spanish guard could be moved prior to Thursday's NBA trade deadline."

Isola disclosed that one of the teams interested in Rubio is the New York Knicks. As the basketball mecca, the Carmelo Anthony team has attracted some NBA stars over the years due to the location. Given the opportunity to leave the Minnesota Timberwolves and pursue a presumably more expensive contract with the Kristaps Porzingis squad, many are surprised at Rubio's adamant refusal to entertain even other basketball teams.

"No, I never thought about leaving this franchise, for a lot of reasons," said Rubio when asked of the possibility of an NBA trade, according to the Minnesota Post. He added, "One of them is because they trusted me from the beginning. And I trust them." Citing his injuries over the past years that hindered the Minnesota Timberwolves from making the playoffs, Rubio vows to do everything in his power to carry the Karl-Anthony Towns squad to greatness this season.

He shared, "So I felt like I never really had the opportunity to take this team to another level. And I think this is the year where we have great pieces in place and we are trying to win as many games as we can, to, if not this year, next year to be in the playoffs."

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