LA Clippers: 5 point guards that should be trade targets before deadline
By Dalton Sell
LA Clippers: Trade target No. 3 – Ricky Rubio, Minnesota Timberwolves
The LA Clippers need a playmaker at the point guard position, and there are few better options than Ricky Rubio. The nine-year NBA veteran has averaged 7.7 assists per game for his career, and that playmaking prowess could undoubtedly help the Clippers patch up one of their most prominent flaws.
Rubio is currently serving as the Minnesota Timberwolves’ sixth man, playing a career-low 23.9 minutes per game. Rubio has been a great veteran presence as the second-oldest player on the roster, but the team’s overloaded depth in the backcourt has hindered his playing time. Having another subpar season, Minnesota could look to deal the veteran through trade to shed his salary, and the Clippers should be first in line to make an offer.
He is not the flashiest or the most star-studded option at the point guard position, but he could surely alleviate playmaking pressure off of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Rubio gives them another veteran to bring the ball up the floor and help a team that is tied for 13th in assists per game this season. Set to make a combined $34.8 million for the remainder of this season and next, piecing together a compelling package for Rubio could be challenging for the Clippers, but not impossible by any means.