NBA Trade Speculation: With Ricky Rubio, 5 Deals Timberwolves Should Consider
Yes, Ricky Rubio will be playing in a Minnesota Timberwolves jersey next year.
Before we start thinking negatively (is he a bust?), I think we should look at him as another building block in David Kahn's master plan.
Scary thought, right?
Maybe so, but I have compiled five deals that would put the Wolves in a much better spot for next year. Since some deals are extremely unlikely, I have included my odds they would be accepted by the other organization.
It is clear the organization is using Kevin Love and Rubio as the main building blocks, which is why I have excluded them from each of my trades.
Also, I am assuming the Wolves keep the pick, for I have excluded draft picks from my possible trades.
Other than that, any player was fair game, and one of them was a constant recurrence.
I would also like to note that, according the ESPN Trade Machine, each of these trades would work out monetarily.
Feel free to let me know what you think!
Michael Beasley and Jonny Flynn for Josh Smith
1 of 5
Although his shot selection is atrocious, I like Josh Smith.
He brings a swagger that the Timberwolves lack, and he brings a defensive intensity that was non-existent last year.
He is an athletic finisher, and if he stays around the rim, he could elevate his scoring to 18-plus points per game.
Probability: 50 percent
Michael Beasley and Darko Milicic for Andrew Bogut
2 of 5
John Hollinger describes Andrew Bogut as an "elite help defender who takes bushels of charges and is a shot-blocking force."
Where can the Minnesota Timberwolves sign him up?
He would be a perfect complement to Kevin Love, and Bogut could chip in occasionally on the offensive end.
Milwaukee doesn't seem too interested in trading Bogut, but as soon as he becomes available (if ever), David Kahn needs to bring him to Minnesota.
Probability: 10 percent
Lazar Hayward and Darko Milicic for Andris Biedrins
3 of 5
This would be an unheralded move, but it could provide the Minnesota Timberwolves with a solid role player.
Andris Biedrins is relatively young, and he is a gifted post player.
If he were to put on some muscle, he could become an elite shot-blocker. Until then, he will benefit from his length and continue to do damage.
This would also help the Golden State Warriors add some interior defense with Darko Milicic, which is something they have lacked for a long time.
Probability: 65 percent
Michael Beasley, Jonny Flynn and Anthony Tolliver for Andrew Bynum
4 of 5
If the Timberwolves are looking for a hard-nosed center to put next to Kevin Love, look no further than Andrew Bynum.
He would give the Wolves a tough defensive enforcer while boosting their offensive abilities. When healthy, Bynum is lethal, which is why a team like the Wolves would have to take a chance.
After his embarrassing behavior against the Dallas Mavericks, Bynum may need to find a new home. The Lakers may want to start going in a new direction, and fresh faces would help that.
Jonny Flynn could be a long term solution at point guard, and Michael Beasley could help them become more of a perimeter team.
That being said, as long as Kobe Bryant is in Los Angeles, I don't see the Lakers moving any big-name players.
Probability: 3 percent
Michael Beasley and Wes Johnson for Emeka Okafor
5 of 5
This trade would be great for both parties.
The Wolves would be adding a strong interior defender, and the New Orleans Hornets would be adding to perimeter players that have the ability to score.
Although he is undersized, Emeka Okafor can block shots and rebound, which is exactly what the Timberwolves need from the center position.
Michael Beasley could give Chris Paul the scoring option that he has never really found, and Wes Johnson could develop into an athletic scorer.
That being said, if these teams are active, this very trade could take place.
Probability: 80 percent
