The Minnesota Timberwolves could choose to trade guard Ricky Rubio, who's reportedly seeking a max contract deal, if the two sides are unable to reach an agreement. Although Minnesota appears to prefer signing Rubio to an extension, the team might be forced to trade him if he's unwilling to sign a deal for less than the max.
Reports throughout the summer claimed Rubio and his agent, Dan Fegan, want a maximum contract from Minnesota. While it could just be Fegan posturing to get his client the best deal, Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN reported Fegan and the Timberwolves still haven't made any progress toward a new contract.
"(Timberwolves general manager Milt) Newton says he's optimistic on the Rubio extension front," Wolfson tweeted Thursday. "But admitted they don't see eye-to-eye with Fegan on $."
Minnesota undoubtedly wants to keep Rubio, but the question is how much are they willing to spend to make it happen. Most would agree Rubio hasn't done enough to earn a max deal, and with Rubio set to become a restricted free agent next summer, the Timberwolves have the luxury of seeing how much Rubio improves - his poor shooting being one key area - this season before committing a huge chunk of future salary cap space to him.
Rubio being traded, at least at this point, is unlikely. Both sides appear on course to play out the season, with the onus on Rubio to prove he's worth the hefty investment.
Serious trade conversations won't be a topic until next summer, when Minnesota and Rubio's camp both will have a better idea of what they're willing to give and what they're willing to take, respectively. If talks are still at an impasse, Minnesota could look to trade Rubio quickly -- as opposed to letting him eventually walk for free -- and avoid the qualifying-offer limbo teams like the Phoenix Suns are currently in.
If a trade is going to happen next season, Rubio could somewhat dictate where he lands by giving the wink-and-a-nod to prospective teams that he'd be willing to either re-sign or sign an extension.
