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NEW ORLEANS, LA – MARCH 19: Ricky Rubio # 9 of the Minnesota Timberwolves warms up before a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on March 19, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading or using this photograph, user accepts the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman / Getty Images)
The Timberwolves have made their first trade of the night, taking on a familiar face from the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly acquired PG Ricky Rubio, the 25th pick and 28th pick from the Oklahoma City Thunder in a trade that sends the 17th pick to the Thunder. according to Jon Krawczyski.
Ricky Rubio was recently traded from Phoenix in the Chris Paul trade. Rubio averaged 13 points, five rebounds and nine assists for the Suns, shooting 42/36/86.
Rubio was traded from the Timberwolves to the Utah Jazz several years ago, and joins the team presumably to become the lead facilitator, along with D’Angelo Russell. The trade comes after the Timberwolves selected Georgia wing Anthony Edwards. N
The Timberwolves have a heavy team on guard and have easily become a much more important force in the Western Conference and in their quest for a playoff spot.
Minnesota Timberwolves still have the 25th, 28th and 33rd picks in the 2020 NBA Draft. Watch out for trades with those picks though, as Gersson Rosas is apparently exploring every business opportunity imaginable.
Rubio was selected by the Timberwolves with a top 10 pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, just above Wolves pick Jonny Flynn and NBA guard Steph Curry.
Still, Rubio dramatically improves Minnesota’s guard space and will allow Russell to play more as a scorer off the ball. The pick-and-roll opportunities between him and Karl-Anthony Towns will also be fun to watch.
Although he has improved as a shooter, the acquisition of Rubio casts doubt on the plight of Josh Okogie and Jarrett Culver. Neither is a particularly good shooter, and playing in a lineup that includes Rubio could disrupt the flow of what Ryan Saunders wants to do.
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