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Minnesota Timberwolves: Pros, Cons Of Standing Pat At Trade Deadline

By Brian Sampson

Oct 12, 2016; Lincoln, NE, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau laughs with the referee during the game against the Denver Nuggets in the first half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2016; Lincoln, NE, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau laughs with the referee during the game against the Denver Nuggets in the first half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 10, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) looks to pass the ball during the first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports.
Oct 10, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) looks to pass the ball during the first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports. /

Pro: The Timberwolves can still trade Rubio this summer

For better or worse, Ricky Rubio will remain as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves. At least for right now.  For those of you who were hoping that Rubio would finally be traded after years of rumors, there is still time.

You will, however, have to wait out the rest of the season and watch Rubio suit up for the final 25 games. There’s also the fact that Rubio will still have two years and $29 million left on his contract after this season.

Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves /

Minnesota Timberwolves

On the positive side, Ricky Rubio appears primed to be a major part of more trade discussions this offseason.  Tom Thibodeau has never appeared to be too enamored with Rubio.  The Minnesota Timberwolves did, after all, draft Kris Dunn with the fifth overall pick in last year’s draft.

The rumors immediately began that the Timberwolves were looking to move Rubio.  After he wasn’t traded in the offseason the rumors continued to pop up sporadically throughout the season. They climaxed at the trade deadline, but no trade ever materialized.

Ricky Rubio’s trade value may be as low as ever right now. He is averaging a career-low 8.9 points and 3.8 rebounds. Rubio is also averaging “only” 8.4 assists per game, which is his lowest since his second NBA season.

However, over the last seven games, Rubio has been playing very well and is averaging 10.9 points and 10 assists.

Tom Thibodeau and the Timberwolves may be willing to gamble that Rubio continues that stellar play throughout the post All-Star break.  This will significantly increase Rubio’s trade value and potentially bring back a bigger haul for the Wolves than an expiring Derrick Rose.

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