The Knicks came close to striking a deal with the Timberwolves around the deadline this past February, but talks eventually broke down at the final minute.
The teams, which primarily focused on a package that included Wolves guard Ricky Rubio, could potentially revisit these talks at some point in the month.
According to ESPN’s Ian Begley, that is exactly what some members of the Knicks’ organization are hoping for:
Some members of the organization would again like to try to pursue Minnesota’s Ricky Rubio in a trade this offseason, sources said. The Knicks were close to completing a deal shortly before the trade deadline centered around Derrick Rose and Rubio. Talks continued until shortly before the deadline.
Per league sources with knowledge of the situation, some Knicks decision-makers see trading for Rubio as a viable option this offseason. Incumbent starter Rose also is an option at point guard. But the Timberwolves, coincidentally, see Rose as a point guard option in free agency, as ESPN reported last month. So even if the Knicks prefer to re-sign Rose, they likely will have competition.
It’s unclear at this point whom the Knicks would consider moving in a trade for Rubio or if New York and Minnesota would attempt a sign-and-trade.
If New York renounced its rights to Rose after July 1, it could open up enough cap space to absorb Rubio’s 2017-18 salary ($14 million).
The Knicks, as Begley also mentioned, have their eyes set on drafting at the guard position in the upcoming June 22 NBA draft. Should they reach agreement with Minnesota on a Ricky Rubio trade, perhaps it would allow them to shift their focus towards drafting a frontcourt player.
Rubio, 26, averaged a career-high 11.1 points and 9.1 assists per game this past season with the Timberwolves.
With Derrick Rose set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, the Knicks must address their dilemma at the point guard position. The team can pursue other free agent guards, work to re-sign Rose to a new contract, or pursue a trade with another club like the Wolves.
Also mentioned in the ESPN.com article was a tidbit of the Knicks’ recent talks with Portland, which stated that’s Maurice Harkless is one named that’s been discussed.
One source described talks between the Knicks and Blazers as “fluid,” with several different proposals — as is the case with most trade discussions. One scenario discussed involved the Knicks taking back a player — and Maurice Harkless’ name was among those that came up.
