The Minnesota Timberwolves are looking to bring back Kevin Garnett as a free agent this summer and the team could potentially look at a Ricky Rubio trade at some point this year after taking Tyus Jones and Zach LaVine the past two drafts, as Rubio was injured and played in just 22 games last season.
The Timberwolves are looking to bring back Garnett after acquiring him in a trade last season, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press. News broke on Tuesday that Garnett is signing back with the Wolves, as Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN reports that the veteran forward is set to come back for next season. Marc Stein at ESPN reports that the deal is for two years, but financial numbers have not been reported yet.
Previously it was reported that Garnett would "definitely" sign back with the Timberwolves this offseason. Garnett is a strong veteran presence in the locker room for the young roster and he could be a "mentor" for Karl-Anthony Towns, who was the first overall pick in the draft. Garnet was solid while averaging 6.9 points and 6.6 rebounds in 47 games played last season and now the Wolves are bringing him in on a two year deal.
The Timberwolves have Rubio and they could consider trading him down the line after look at deals with him around the NBA draft. The team drafted Zach LaVine before last season and the Wolves added Tyus Jones in the draft this year and those players could step up at point guard. Rubio has been good during his time with the Wolves, but he has not quite played up to expectations and he could be moved as the team builds around Towns, Andrew Wiggins and Shabazz Muhammad.
The Timberwolves signed Rubio to a new deal, but the team reportedly was "willing" to deal the point guard leading into the NBA draft this year. According to RealGM.com, the Timberwolves would have dealt Rubio in "the right deal" and the point guard also received interest from the Houston Rockets. The Rockets signed back Patrick Beverley so the Rubio move is unlikely, but even if nothing happens in the summer, the team could consider a deal at the deadline.
Rubio has shown a ton of potential during his career, but he has only been able to stay healthy in one full season and if LaVine and Jones develop fast, they could move Rubio. Rubio played in only 22 games last season and he averaged 10 points and eight assists in those contests. Rubio stayed healthy during the 2013-14 season and averaged 9.5 points and 8.6 assists and is getting paid $12,700,000 for next year.
The Rockets brought back Beverley so they likely will not look for a deal, while the Knicks could be an option if they trade Jose Calderon. The Knicks like draft pick Jerian Grant and he could step up at point guard for the team if Calderon can't stay healthy, which was his main issue last season. The Wolves also reportedly shopped Anthony Bennett at the draft and could consider trading him this year.
Check here for more on the Timberwolves and Garnett and for more on Rubio.
