Minnesota Sports Forum

The only teams worth targeting trades for Rubio are playoff teams with top level PGs who need a solid back up. I can't see a team who doesn't have a PG that doesn't believe that they can do better than Rubio with the draft, even if ultimately they can't. Rubio could be a solid starter for a lot of teams, but because of his warts they must think they can do better. It's ultimately the same reason we drafted Dunn.

If we're going to trade him, I think Rubio should be part of a larger package at this point since we missed the window this year to get rid of him for an expiring.

Let's not forget that there could be four more PGs entering the league in the top 8 picks of the draft.

Very possible that the first two picks -- and possible franchise cornerstones -- will be PGs.

The position is loaded. I don't see equal value anywhere in the league. As Doper said, the best (only) shot might be in a multi-player trade.

For the first time ever, I am actually feeling OK with Rubio as our intended starter for next season. He is showing some growth in the back half of this season, which is what we have been asking for.

That being said, the BPA next draft could be a PG like Dennis Smith, who shows the skills to be an absolute stud. Insane athlete who has a fairly well rounded game. Not sure I could pass him up if he was there. I was never comfortable with Dunn coming into this season and playing a major role, but I could be talked into a guy like Smith.

The issue then would become what to do with Rubio, Dunn, Smith, Lavine. While it seems crowded, we also need to remember Lavine will be out most of next season, and Dunn is a far cry from a sure thing to succeed moving forward. And realistically, I see him as more of an off-guard long term anyways. A top-flight PG can transform a franchise more than any other player.

Q12543 wrote:SP, Equal value to me would be someone that could come in and fit on our team and impact it the same way Rubio does. To me, a guy like Trevor Ariza would be a great example of providing equal value. Defends other team's top wings, hits the corner 3, and generally makes smart decisions. He can't carry your team, but plays a critical role in winning basketball games.

I'm not suggesting that a trade for Ariza is possible, simply using a real-life example of what I'd define as equal value.

The hard part, admittedly, is finding a team where Rubio is a fit, which is why I think it would be tough to get equal value. So many teams rely on their PG these days to be their key playmaker AND scorer. It's tough to find a team that has enough non-PG shooters and scorers where a pass-first PG makes sense. We are one of those teams by the way! Denver might be another one.

I think Spurs and Danny Green may be that fit if Spurs can't bring a good FA PG upgrade and don't want to pay Mills a lot.

Brooklyn_Wolves wrote:

Q12543 wrote:SP, Equal value to me would be someone that could come in and fit on our team and impact it the same way Rubio does. To me, a guy like Trevor Ariza would be a great example of providing equal value. Defends other team's top wings, hits the corner 3, and generally makes smart decisions. He can't carry your team, but plays a critical role in winning basketball games.

I'm not suggesting that a trade for Ariza is possible, simply using a real-life example of what I'd define as equal value.

The hard part, admittedly, is finding a team where Rubio is a fit, which is why I think it would be tough to get equal value. So many teams rely on their PG these days to be their key playmaker AND scorer. It's tough to find a team that has enough non-PG shooters and scorers where a pass-first PG makes sense. We are one of those teams by the way! Denver might be another one.

I think Spurs and Danny Green may be that fit if Spurs can't bring a good FA PG upgrade and don't want to pay Mills a lot.

Yes, he'd be close to equal value on Rubio, although I'd prefer someone with a bit more size and strength to be paired with Wiggins. It amazed me how much bigger Paul George looked to me versus Wiggins. I just think Wig has a fairly narrow, spindly frame that is best suited at SG versus mixing it up with the elite big wings out there. Guys like George and Leonard just manhandle him.

Btw, Q. I saw some interesting breakdown of Rubio's season online.

Rubio Divided in thirds:
10/1/2016-12/14/2016 (First 25 games)
Touches: 75.5
Time of possession: 6.0
Avg. Dribbles per Touch: 4.86
Drives: 4.8
ORTG with him on the floor: 108.9

12/14/2016-2/4/2017 (Next 25 games / up to Lavine injury):
Touches: 81.6
Time of possession: 7.2
Avg. Dribbles per Touch: 5.12
Drives: 5.8
ORTG with him on the floor: 111.1

From 2/4/2017 up to now (20 games/since Lavine Injury)
Touches: 89.3
Time of possession: 8.5
Avg. Dribbles per Touch: 5.69
Drives: 6.8
ORTG with him on the floor: 114.8

Watching the clip of Monta missing that final shot last night you can see Thibs pump his fist, high five Ricky and literally hug him! Maybe he's playing his way off Thibs trading block?

Random thoughts after reading the posts above: No way in hell Lavine is going to miss most of the season next year. He will be ready to get minutes opening night. Danny Green works for the Spurs, but don't be fooled by that. He's the perfect example of a system guy who flourishes for that team. He wouldn't look the same virtually anywhere else.

Brooklyn_Wolves wrote:Btw, Q. I saw some interesting breakdown of Rubio's season online.

Rubio Divided in thirds:
10/1/2016-12/14/2016 (First 25 games)
Touches: 75.5
Time of possession: 6.0
Avg. Dribbles per Touch: 4.86
Drives: 4.8
ORTG with him on the floor: 108.9

12/14/2016-2/4/2017 (Next 25 games / up to Lavine injury):
Touches: 81.6
Time of possession: 7.2
Avg. Dribbles per Touch: 5.12
Drives: 5.8
ORTG with him on the floor: 111.1

From 2/4/2017 up to now (20 games/since Lavine Injury)
Touches: 89.3
Time of possession: 8.5
Avg. Dribbles per Touch: 5.69
Drives: 6.8
ORTG with him on the floor: 114.8

Great stats BW. This bears out what was plain as day to some of us early in the season, which is that Thibs wasn't utilizing Rubio as much and was trying to get Wig and LaVine to take on more of the play making responsibilities. The results were predictable, as neither of those guys are very good passers yet.

BloopOracle wrote:Watching the clip of Monta missing that final shot last night you can see Thibs pump his fist, high five Ricky and literally hug him! Maybe he's playing his way off Thibs trading block?

A well-deserved hug too, as Rubio sealed the game on both ends. AP Jon K has mentioned before how Rubio eventually wins over once skeptical coaches.

We'll see what happens this offseason, but my guess is that neither side (Rubio and his agent and the Wolves front office) will shy away from trade options. I'd love to see him stay, but I think he's fed up with the losing and semi-annual trade rumors.