The Minnesota Timberwolves have two stars in Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love and both have been mentioned in trade rumors this offseason and teams like the Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets could be interested, as Rubio has asked for a max contract and that could eventually lead to him getting traded, especially after the team drafted another point guard in Zach LaVine.
According to ESPN and Pro Basketball Talk, Rubio's agent is asking the team for a five year max contract deal and this comes as Kevin Love has been mentioned quite a bit in trade rumors. Rubio may be using that situation as leverage, as the team is loking at what to do with Love and if Rubio demands a contract, he could be on his way out eventually as well. ESPN writes that owner Glen Taylor has said that he does not want to trade Love and he would like to make one more run at the playoffs and at asking Love to sign an extension with the team.
The Golden State Warriors are the frontrunner in a deal for Love since they have been engaged for talks the longest, but that has been stalled by the Klay Thompson issue. The Wolves want Thompson from the Warriors, but the organization is split on giving him up. Right now Thompson is not on the table in trade talks and that has been the major thing stopping a deal from getting done. Rubio is just 23 years old and Thompson is young as well and the Wolves have said they will not give up Love without getting a player like Thompson in return.
ESPN reported that the Cavaliers were interested in a deal as well, but they are not willing to offer Andrew Wiggins. According to ESPN.com, the team has offered Dion Waiters along with Anthony Bennett and a first round pick for Love, but the team wants Wiggins. The Cavs are not willing to put in Wiggins after taking him number one overall, especially now that they have LeBron James back.
The Timberwolves also may consider trading Rubio after drafting Zach LaVine, as the young star has shown that he can be a strong point guard despite not starting for UCLA last season. LaVine was a target for many teams and now the Wolves have him and even if they don't trade Rubio, he could be a player to watch in the future. The Wolves are looking to have a ton of cap space in 2015 to try and sway Love to stay and they have a number of contracts set to come off the books.
Rubio has the chance to sign an extension this summer and the team reportedly will offer him a large four year deal says 1500 ESPN in Minnesota. Love is the centerpiece of this team and he wants to make the playoffs, which is one reason why he wants out. The team is looking at Evan Turner as a free agent option and he could be a low money signing heading into the season. Rubio is an electric player, but if he is too demanding the team can try and flip him for picks or players down the line.
