A wild three-team, 10-player trade scenario is currently swirling online which involves the Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Cleveland Cavaliers.
According to Inquisitr, the terms of the rumored trade are as follows: Nerlens Noel, Ricky Rubio, and Tyus Jones move to the Cavs, Mike Dunleavy, Shabazz Muhammad, Mo Williams, and Jordan McRae join the Sixers, while Iman Shumpert, Channing Frye, Nik Stauskas, and a future second-round draft pick go to the Wolves.
The speculated deal is approved by ESPN's NBA Trade Machine. It also assessed that the trade would result in -7 wins for Cleveland, +1 win for Philadelphia, and -5 wins for Minnesota.
Cleveland is said to be looking for a veteran point guard that could play backup to Kyrie Irving and also start some games when Irving is being rested. Cavs head coach Tyronn Lue has announced earlier in the offseason that he is planning to restrict the minutes of Irving to preserve him for another championship run.
Rubio could be the answer to their current predicament as he is evidently a starting-caliber floor general who could reliably come off the bench as well. The 26-year-old Spaniard can also play alongside Irving when needed with the latter sliding to the shooting guard spot.
Meanwhile, Noel will also bring depth and defense to the Cavs frontcourt. The 22-year-old big man is versatile enough to start at center with Kevin Love at power forward or at the number four position with Tristan Thompson at the five.
However, one problem with this proposed deal is that both Rubio and Noel are currently sidelined with separate injuries. Rubio is out indefinitely with a sprained right elbow while Noel is scheduled to undergo surgery to repair an inflamed plica above his left knee and could be out for three to five weeks.
The trade could still push through once the two players become available for their respective squads, although the Wolves' willingness to include Rubio in the potential blockbuster deal hangs on how rookie Kris Dunn will perform in the Spaniard's absence.
If Dunn could convince Wolves head coach Tom Thibodeau that he is ready to become the team's starting point guard, then Rubio will become tradable for Minnesota.