Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 recent offseason tragedies

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 03: A close up shot of Ricky Rubio #9 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota on April 3, 2017. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images /

3. The Ricky Rubio trade

Ricky Rubio was beloved in Minnesota, and the feeling seemed mutual. He always considered himself a loyal guy, and appeared more than willing to make something work for the long-term. Unfortunately, the feeling wasn’t mutual in that regard.

On July 1, 2017, the Timberwolves began free agency by trading their starting point guard — who they had picked above Stephen Curry — to the Utah Jazz. What did the Wolves get in return? A first round draft pick for 2018.

Again, in all fairness, the Wolves did need a 2018 first round pick, since they didn’t have one. Not only that, but the pick turned into Josh Okogie, who seems to be faring pretty well for the Wolves so far.

Still, Minnesota has not been able to find a point guard able to replace the hole left by this trade. The closest they’ve come is current point guard Jeff Teague, who averages 8.2 assists and 1.0 steals per game, compared to the 9.1 assists and 1.7 steals a night Rubio posted in his last season with the team.

This trade saw the beginning of a big problem with the 1 and 2 spots on the roster, which have resembled more of a revolving door than a couple of locked-in-stone players over the last few years. Speaking of which …

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