Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (Raj Mehta/USA Today Sports)
The Timberwolves and Pistons have discussed a trade involving swapping point guards Ricky Rubio and Reggie Jackson, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein and Chris B. Haynes. The two sides are reportedly still in the “discussion” stages and would more than likely “expand to involve other players”. Swingman Shabazz Muhammad reportedly could be attached with Rubio in a trade in order to entice potential suitors to take on the Spanish point-guard. Rubio has been on the trade block for some time now, though a move seems more likely.
For Detroit, Jackson’s availability has cropped up only recently. His play has been erratic since returning from injury and the team has looked out of sync, particularly defensively, ever since. The Pistons started a impressive 11-10 in Jackson’s absence, but have gone 9-14 since his return. Jackson is in the second year of a five-year $80 million contract and a trade would be a quick reversal of ideology for Detroit.
Expectations were high this season for the both teams but for different reasons. After giving Cleveland fits in the playoffs last year they were hoping to get deeper into the postseason. For Minnesota the playoffs seemed like a reasonable goal. The young core of Andrew Wiggins, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Zach LaVine appeared ready to splash onto the scene. Needless to say, both situations have not panned out as anticipated.
