Other Options If Rubio Asked for a Trade

          There is  news circulating around the web that Ricky Rubio has changed agent from Dan Fegen to Jeff Schwartz which can signify a trade since the new agent is more experienced agent, adding up to the news Darren Wolfson have a source telling that Ricky Rubio is demanding for a trade out of Minnesota. Maybe all the trade rumors each season got to him making him feel bad about both the fans and management.

          But setting it aside if Rubio is gone with the team it would set the franchise back on square one, having a glaring hole in the Point Guard position will most likely make the team less fluid, also Rubio is the leader in the team although he is still a 26 years old he is the longest Wolf in the team (aside from Pekovic). He is a pass first point guard which is rare in the league. Without him the team will be at a disadvantage on both ends on the floor.

          Assuming that Kris Dunn is not yet ready to assume the role as a starter and also assuming that we only receive draft picks and a bench player out of Ricky Rubio as we all know we won't get an equal amount of value if Rubio really wants out of the team, We still have a lot of options on filling the point guard position this offseason.

Plan A : Signing a Free Agent
          This should be really our first option as this upcoming Offseason a lot of key point guards are available in the market also almost all of them are Unrestricted Free Agents. With this we surely know that we are not making a gamble as we have seen what they can do in the league. But who can replace Ricky Rubio? Well eliminating some of the Free Agents like Steph Curry, Chris Paul, and Kyle Lowry because obviously they want to play for the best contending team possible what we have left is.

1.  Jeff Teague - 15.3 PPG, 7.8 APG, 4.0 RPG, 1.2 APG  19.24 PER


     Jeff Teague has proven that he is a good player even if not playing for the Hawks he is also an experienced basketball player playing for eight seasons in the league, which his season in Indiana being his best season yet even at the age of 28. Even though he will be an Unrestricted Free Agent there would still be a possibility that he will re-sign with his hometown team which is the Pacers. But who knows the Pacers are looking for a change as they got eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

2. Patty Mills -  9.5 PPG, 3.5 APG, 1.8 RPG, .8 SPG   15.28 PER


     Is Patty Mills ready to take a starting role in to another team next season? Right now he proved to us that he can fill up the place of Tony Parker in Spurs after his injury. Still young at 28 Patty Mills can run the floor very well. Also good at the defensive end having a .011 Defensive Win Share rating in the NBA. If the contract is right him playing for the team might be possible.


3. Jrue Holiday - 15.4 PPG,  7.3 APG, 3.9 RPG, 1.5 SPG  17.19 PER


     The Timberwolves might be taking a gamble by signing Jrue Holiday as he have yet to play for a whole season due to being prone to injury as his last 82 games season was his 2nd year in the league. He might be also the most expensive option out of the three players. But he can be the point guard we need as he is much a better shooter than Ricky Rubio.  




Plan B : Drafting a Point Guard
          Not the best of the options as the Timberwolves will be having a gamble yet again. Having to draft a unproven point guard might make or break the Timberwolves future again. Also there still might be a lot of better players aside from what we need. It is always a good option of drafting the best fit for the team rather than drafting someone hoping to replace another starter.

1. De'Aaaron Fox - 16.7 PPG, 4.6 APG, 4.0 RPG, 1.5 SPG 

     Likely to be pick before out turn to pick in the Draft. De'Aaron Fox is the 3rd Best Point Guard available in the draft right after Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball. Although being 3rd in the ranking he is one of the best point guards out there. The downside is he won't provide as the 3pt shooting we need as he prefers to be driving to the basket.



2. Dennis Smith Jr. - 18.1 PPG, 6.2 APG, 4.6 RPG, 1.9 SPG

     The 4th best point guard in the draft might be a better option for us, as Dennis Smith Jr. have both the physical tools and potential to be the better point guards out there. However his decision making between plays is needs to improve in order to start in the NBA, as his Turn Overs per game is 3.3. His defense is also a question.





3. Frank Ntilikina -  5.2 PPG, 1.4 APG, 2.1 RPG, .8 SPG

     At the age of 18 Frank Ntilikina is still raw on his game but has the physical tools to become successful in the NBA, at 6'5" and a Wingspan of 7 ft. Playing only 18.2 MPG Ntilikina did not failed to show his best. Playing unselfish basketball he is one of rawest Pure Point Guards in the draft.





          I would still prefer signing a Free Agent if Rubio decides to be traded. Besides we still have Kris Dunn to develop his game as he is a good defensive player the only thing left is to increase his production on par with his minutes. The Ricky Rubio news is not yet official but the good thing is we have something to fall back with just in case it happens.