Ricky Rubio is back to where it all started. Days after the former top-10 pick was traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Chris Paul blockbuster, he’s heading home.
According to multiple media reports, Oklahoma City has traded Ricky Rubio back to the Minnesota Timberwolves. It’s being noted that Minnesota has dealt the 17th pick to the Thunder for the 25th pick, 28th pick and Mr. Rubio. There’s obviously other moving parts to make the salaries work. We will update accordingly.
Impact of Ricky Rubio trade to the Minnesota Timberwolves
This move came mere minutes after Minnesota selected former Georgia star guard Anthony Edwards No. 1 overall in the 2020 NBA Draft. The team now has three core guards in their rotation with Edwards, Rubio and the recently-acquired D’Angelo Russell.
This will only help head coach Ryan Saunders create mismatches on offense. Russell can move to an off-ball role when Rubio is on the court, benefiting from his new teammate’s passing skills.
When Ricky Rubio is on the bench, Edwards would take over the two-guard role. Heck, a three-guard lineup could work here with Edwards playing the non-traditional three. All of this to help Karl-Anthony Towns inside. None of this takes into account the fact that Minnesota now has two additional first-round picks following the Ricky Rubio trade.
As for the Thunder, they have an excess of draft picks after making multiple trades over the past few days. The team is obviously targeting a specific player with the 17th pick (updates to come).
General manager Sam Presti is among the best in the business. His ability to keep the small-market Thunder in contention on a consistent basis is something else.
Earlier on Wednesday, Oklahoma City picked up more draft capital by taking on the bloated contract of Al Horford in a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers. He’s now moving up and down the board for more capital and young players to add to a talented and growing core.
This seems to be a win-win trade for both teams.