Minnesota Timberwolves’ Ricky Rubio A Target Of The New York Knicks

Minnesota Timberwolves’ point guard Ricky Rubio is still on the radar of the New York Knicks. Several reports have the Knicks considering a trade for the pass-first guard. Ricky Rubio is the object of desire for the Knicks, who have the rights to the player whom the Timberwolves covet.

According to ESPN New York’s Ian Begley, members the New York Knicks organization have had internal discussions regarding a trade for Ricky Rubio. The Knicks would like a more traditional point guard apt at setting up teammates and playing tough defense. Rubio does both of those things well.

It might sound strange, but a New York Knicks’ trade for Ricky Rubio could somehow include Derrick Rose.

The New York Knicks are not a team stocked with a lot of assets. Asides from Kristaps Porzingis, the Knicks may have a few pieces they can offer the Timberwolves. Unfortunately, unless a deal includes a couple of draft picks going back to Minnesota, the Knicks do not have a player who is a match salary-wise that the Timberwolves will take back.

Knowing this it would not be a surprise if the Knicks can convince the Timberwolves to wait until NBA free agency. That way a possible sign-and-trade scenario could develop with Derrick Rose.

If in some strange way the New York Knicks were able to include Derrick Rose into discussions with the Minnesota Timberwolves it would have to take place in July. The Knicks making a sign-and-trade with Timberwolves involving Derrick Rose would require two things — the Knicks cannot renounce his rights and patience.

By not renouncing Derrick Rose’s rights, the Knicks create a cap hold, which might prevent them from going after some players in NBA free agency. What it would do is allow the Knicks to retain the option to conduct a sign-and-trade for Derrick Rose. It is something that would be an attractive idea given the NBA free agency rumors (courtesy of CBS Sports) of the Timberwolves having interest in him.

In the meantime, the Knicks can talk with the Timberwolves about the possibilities and parameters of a Ricky Rubio trade. That is if the talks are rekindled. They could offer the Timberwolves a future draft pick with lottery protection, but patience would the New York Knicks’ best approach.

Ricky Rubio for Derrick Rose in a trade was much talked about in NBA circles leading up to the NBA trade deadline this past February. There were a lot of people who thought of the deal as done until it was reported that the Timberwolves rejected (courtesy of Bleacher Report) the Knicks’ proposal.

If the Minnesota Timberwolves are successful in signing Derrick Rose in NBA free agency, Ricky Rubio instantly becomes expendable. A Derrick Rose signing could also diminish Ricky Rubio’s trade value. This is where the New York Knicks can get their point guard.

What the Knicks see in Rubio is someone who can effectively run the triangle offense. The triangle offense was initially installed by former Chicago Bulls’ assistant Tex Winter during Phil Jackson’s time as head coach. Jackson has employed it at every stop. This includes the Knicks, where he is the team president.

Sources: Some in Knicks front office would like to pursue trade for Ricky Rubio https://t.co/t7x73XJO24 #Knicks pic.twitter.com/De6o6gjtEE

— ESPN New York (@ESPNNewYork) June 3, 2017

The triangle offense is a reactionary attack that requires constant ball-movement. Three players form a triangle, alternating in and out with the other two players on the floor in search of mismatches.

The offense bogs down when players abandon the discipline parts in favor to run isolation plays. Ricky Rubio is a guard, who likes to move the basketball and get into offensive sets. Therefore the New York Knicks view him as the better fit.

Ricky Rubio to the New York Knicks is a deal that could work out fine. The Minnesota Timberwolves turned down the Knicks first offer for Rubio. Could they get something done soon?

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