NBA Rumors: Minnesota Timberwolves Not Looking To Trade Ricky Rubio, Fielding Calls For Tyus Jones

The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly fielding calls for one of their point guards. It is uncertain whether the Timberwolves will pull the trigger on a trade, but there is plenty of interest in their trio of floor leaders. The NBA rumors involving the Timberwolves are beginning to heat up.

NBA teams have been contacting the Minnesota Timberwolves about the availability of Ricky Rubio, and it seems as if each team was turned away. The Timberwolves do not appear to be ready to move one from Rubio. That is probably a good thing for the Timberwolves, as they look to compete for a playoff berth in the loaded Western Conference.

Teams who cannot get Rubio may be able to grab his backup from last season.

According to the most prominent of NBA rumors being floated out there, Tyus Jones is drawing some considerable interest on the trade market. Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports is reporting that a couple of NBA have looked into a trade for the former Duke University standout. He is also confirming that the Minnesota Timberwolves are not considering a trade of Ricky Rubio at this time.

The New Orleans Pelicans and Philadelphia 76ers are two of the teams who have reportedly called the Minnesota Timberwolves about Tyus Jones. It is possible that a deal can be reached soon.

If the Timberwolves do decide to trade one of their point guards, it will likely be Tyus Jones.

Sources on @TheVertical: Minnesota resisting trade overtures on Ricky Rubio — for now. Plus, Tyus Jones' future. https://t.co/rerWc5v7y0

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 19, 2016

Timberwolves head coach and team president Tom Thibodeau has a history of not using younger players. What Thibodeau has is a young team. Jones is only 20-years-old, and the presence of both rookie Kris Dunn and veteran John Lucas III have made him expendable.

John Lucas III is a long-time Tom Thibodeau favorite. He knows the offensive and defensive game plans of the Timberwolves’ boss. It is a strong chance that the 33-year-old makes the team.

Tom Thibodeau has nothing but good things to say about his rookie, Kris Dunn. The Timberwolves’ coach spoke only positives when talking up Dunn with the Pioneer Press.

“I think he’s still adjusting to the speed and quickness and size of the NBA game. But each game he’s improving. That position comes down to how the team functions and how you organize the team. So you’re still growing in that area. He’s learning his teammates, he’s learning a new system and he’s learning the league. So each day just learn, concentrate on your improvement and help the team run well.”

Just weeks ago Thibodeau had some nice words to say (courtesy of the Pioneer Press) about Tyus Jones as well.

“He has all the things that you look for in a player. Hard-working, disciplined, great shape, conditioned, serious-minded, not afraid to work, makes practice better, that’s what we need from everybody.”

The biggest differences between Kris Dunn and Tyus Jones is that the former was taken with the No. 5 pick in the NBA draft and is already a strong defensive player. The Minnesota Timberwolves will morph into a defensive-oriented team this season. Dunn is the type of player who can spearhead the defensive efforts, despite his status as a rookie.

The point guard-needy Sixers have reportedly shown interest in acquiring Timberwolves PG Tyus Jones. https://t.co/fLxgmEE921

— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) October 20, 2016

Ricky Rubio will continue to start at point guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves until Kris Dunn gets his feet wet in the NBA. The Timberwolves may then look to trade Rubio after Dunn is ready to take the mantle. Rubio was the subject of several NBA rumors this offseason. The most prominent of the rumor being spread had him going to the Sacramento Kings. The Kings still could use a point guard, but they could have cooled on the idea of going after Rubio.

Unless the Timberwolves decide to trade a point guard, it will be Tyus Jones, who may be the odd man out. A trade with either the 76ers or Pelicans could bring back a second round pick to the Timberwolves, perhaps a fringe player who can play some low post defense. Moving Ricky Rubio would net a bigger return, but trading Jones is something that could be done to show some good faith.

The Timberwolves trading Tyus Jones to the 76ers makes the most sense. The 76ers have a greater need for a point guard than the Pelicans. Ben Simmons getting hurt in training dealt a big blow to the 76ers. He was supposed to take over some of the ball-handling duties. Adding Jones would help. Plus, he could probably fill in as a starter at some point.

What will the Minnesota Timberwolves do about their crowded point guard situation?

All signs point to the Timberwolves making a trade. Who will the Timberwolves trade and how soon will the Timberwolves make a trade?

[Featured Image by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images]