Recent trade rumors have emerged that the New Orleans Pelicans could target Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio this coming season as the team looks to fix their thin backcourt.
The Pelicans are set to miss Jrue Holiday indefinitely as the team's starting point guard will reportedly look after his wife who his currently in a serious medical condition. Former Knick Langston Galloway has the potential to be a great two-way player at the said position moving forward, but New Orleans is looking to win now with Anthony Davis entering his prime.
With their current need to boost their backcourt, the Pelicans are rumored to be eyeing Rubio this season to spearhead the team at point guard, according to Fansided.
Despite shooting a low career field goal percentage, Rubio is one of the best all-around players at his position. He has a weak jump shot, but he is best when orchestrating and facilitating the team's offense, rebounding, and defending, which draws some likeness to Jason Kidd during the Milwaukee Bucks coach' time.
The report mentioned that Rubio's premium defense and "ability to contain point guards and force turnovers" will spark New Orleans' fast breaks, which is the preferred style of head coach Alvin Gentry.
Getting Rubio, therefore, would be perfect for Gentry and his crew to efficiently implement the coach's system.
However, the Pelicans are not the only team interested in getting Rubio at the moment as recent rumors are out that the Sacramento Kings could also snag the Spaniard in a three-team deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Sportsrageous indicated that Sacramento will send Darren Collison to Cleveland, the Cavs then give Iman Shumpert to the Wolves, while Minnesota moves Rubio to the Kings in a blockbuster three-way trade.
Sacramento is said to be eyeing Rubio since the end of last season when Rajon Rondo announced that he will not re-join the Kings during the summer.
Rubio is entering the sixth year of his NBA career, all playoff-less years spent with the Wolves, in the upcoming season. He told reporters earlier in the summer that he is ready to play in the postseason and would seek a trade to join a new team next year if Minnesota fails to qualify to the playoffs this time around.
