Another interesting trade rumor is starting to swirl around the league today. The Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, and Los Angeles Lakers are said to be in the mix on this new rumored deal that involves Ricky Rubio, Rudy Gay, and Luol Deng as trade pieces.
The Timberwolves continue to struggle in the early going of the season. Timberwolves president of basketball operation and head coach Tom Thibodeau has earlier announced that he is looking for veteran players that could help develop their young core. And many believe that his statement is pertaining to former players that have already played for him like Lakers' Deng.
Same goes to the Kings, who are also struggling to find their rhythm in the ongoing season. Losing their 3 past games, they are holding a 7-13 record and currently at the 10th spot in the Western Conference. And since Gay made a statement that he will leave the team after the season, the Kings might likewise trade him and get some valuable asset.
With all this scenario, a proposed trade deal is being suggested to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, and Los Angeles Lakers. Trade scenario is suggesting that the Timberwolves will get Luol Deng from the Lakers and Darren Collison from the Kings. The Lakers will then acquire Rudy Gay from the Kings while the Kings will receive Ricky Rubio from the Timberwolves.
By examining the deal, the trade seems to be fair to all teams involved as they got the pieces they needed. Having Deng will give coach Thibs what he wishes for, a player who already know his system and can play alongside Karl-Anthony Towns. Collison will replace Rubio in the starting point guard spot while guiding rookie Kris Dunn moving forward.
On the other hand, the Lakers will get a dependable veteran in Gay who averages 19.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game this season. Base on the number, Gay will definitely an added boost on the offense and defense of the team. Aside from that, the Lakers can get rid Deng's big contract to clear some cap space for next season.
As for the Kings, they get a quality point guard in Rubio that they wanted for a long time. Many say that the Kings badly need a true point guard that could complement DeMarcus Cousins and could also help them steady the backcourt spot.
However, as per checking with ESPN NBA Trade Machine, this theoretical trade would not be a legal transaction as Deng just recently signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Lakers which means he can't be traded under NBA trade rules for such time this season.
Though the rumored deal between the Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, and Los Angeles Lakers is 'busted' for now, this might something to ponder about between the three teams if ever Luol Deng will already be available in the market.
