With NBA training camp set to kick off in a couple of days, it is pretty much important for all teams to focus and leave the distractions behind.
Among the teams prepping for training camp, which starts on September 29 are the Minnesota Timberwolves. Recall that the last transaction involving players within the organization included Anthony Bennett, who eventually settled for a contract buy-out. Aside from Bennett, there is also the issue involving Ricky Rubio.
Trade rumors have been hounding the Spanish star for months now, though nothing concrete really occurred. And heading onto training camp, the Minnesota Timberwolves (through general manager Milt Newton) made it clear – Rubio is not on the trading block.
"We're not talking to anybody about trading Ricky," Newton told The Associated Press (via ESPN). "We expect Ricky to be an integral part of our team this season. We expect him to be here come training camp and leading our team."
Rubio is entering the first year of his $56 million contract extension but his bout with injuries was seen as one of the reasons that instigated trade rumors. Last year, Rubio played on 22 games due to a severe ankle injury, though the Spanish point guard is expected to be back in harness and rebound for the 2015-16 NBA wars.
The coming season promises to be an interesting one for the Timberwolves, with sophomore Andrew Wiggins expected to showcase his talent on another level, plus the fact that top rookie pick Karl-Anthony Towns will also be on board.
And seeing that T-Wolves have perhaps one of the younger talented frontlines of the future, a guy like Rubio will be needed to help make the two yuppies look good.
“Who better than Ricky to be the one leading the charge, pushing the pace, pushing the ball and getting our guys easy opportunities and getting the ball where they can be their best? We're looking to him to be that person" adds Newton in the interview.
Rubio has proven what he can do on the hardwood before falling prey to a series of injuries. He went down with an ACL injury back in 2011 as a rookie and of course that ankle injury sidelined him last season.
Rubio did make a return earlier this year and the belief is that the Spaniard will be better prepared for the coming season.
A trade seems to be definitely out of the question and seeing that Rubio is perhaps one of the best guards in the NBA today, the Wolves would do well to stick to him, unless of course a player of equal or better capacity is offered in exchange.
If that happens, then the T-Wolves could listen. But at this early stages, trade rumors are good as dead, with Newton’s official statement regarding their prized point guard.