NBA Rumors: Sacramento Kings To Acquire Ricky Rubio From Timberwolves


The Sacramento Kings are heading into an offseason that many don’t think will make much of a difference for them. They aren’t a high-profile free agency destination and outside of DeMarcus Cousins don’t have any players that can intrigue those free agents to sign anyway. If the Kings want to make a big move, it will have to be via the trade market.

There are a few solid players on the trade market that could make sense for the Kings. Depending on whether Rajon Rondo re-signs or not, there is one player who would be a perfect fit for them.

Ricky Rubio is reportedly on the trade block, although the Minnesota Timberwolves aren’t going to deal him just to make a trade. Justin Rowan of FanSided opined that the Kings could look to acquire the point guard. They could use one if Rondo leaves like many expect he will, and Rubio could fit very nicely alongside Cousins.

Obviously, Rubio isn’t viewed as an offensive point guard and is not going to be acquired to be a scorer. He is, however, viewed as a playmaking point guard and has a chance to help the Kings by setting up his teammates.

Ricky Rubio could end up being traded to the Sacramento Kings.
[Photo by Jim Mone/AP Images]

Last season with the Timberwolves, Rubio ended up averaging 10.1 points, 8.6 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game. He shot 37.4 percent from the floor overall and knocked down 32.6 percent of his three-point attempts. While he has struggled on the offensive end of the floor, there is still time for him to turn that side of his game around.

At just 25-years-old, Rubio is in the prime of his career and can turn things around with his offense. He will have to put in a lot of work to improve, but a coaching staff like the Kings have could help him do that.

Sacramento already has their star scorer in Cousins, but they need someone to fill the role that Rondo had last year. He was able to average 11.9 points and 11.7 assists per game last season. Rubio could chip in roughly as many points per game and likely could get close to the assist numbers with new head coach Dave Joeger’s offense.

If the Kings decide to attempt a trade for Rubio, it likely wouldn’t be too terribly expensive for them. Minnesota just drafted Kris Dunn with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft and view him as their point guard of the future. Rubio could be had for a young piece or two or a future pick and expiring contracts.

Rubio is currently signed through the 2018-19 season and would be the Kings’ franchise point guard long-term. He has not developed into the star that many thought he would be when he was drafted, but he is a very solid point guard.

The Minnesota Timberwolves could trade Ricky Rubio.
[Photo by Brandon Dill/AP Images]

Needless to say, the offseason is going to be one of the busiest that the NBA has seen in recent history. There is more money to be spent than normal and a lot of big names in free agency and on the trade market.

Expect to hear plenty of rumors surrounding the Kings and Rubio as the offseason gets underway. Sacramento is going to try and make a big move even though they aren’t expected to be able to. Rubio is very much available, and there are a few teams that could use an upgrade at the point guard position.

Do you think that the Sacramento Kings should look to acquire Ricky Rubio from the Minnesota Timberwolves this offseason? Would he be a good replacement for Rajon Rondo if Rondo chooses to leave the Kings in free agency? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!

[Photo by Rick Scuteri/AP Images]

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