The Minnesota Timberwolves are perhaps the most exciting young team in the NBA, but starting point guard Ricky Rubio might not be around to be a part of it. Rubio said he would consider leaving the team if they didn't make the playoffs this season, and after Minnesota drafted Kris Dunn with the No. 5 pick in the NBA Draft, they have put him on the trade block. Here are the five teams most likely to trade for Rubio this season:
5) San Antonio Spurs
Tony Parker had his worst year since his rookie season, and there are also questions as to how much he can still provide the Spurs. If San Antonio decides to look for a new starting point guard, Rubio is worth a look. His low-key personality and unselfish play would make him a perfect fit with the Spurs.
4) Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks are done with the Michael Carter-Williams experience - they've benched him and are looking to trade him - and need help at the position. Matthew Dellavedova is their current starter, but there's no guarantee he'll flourish in that role or if he's better off serving as a sixth man. Rubio's playmaking skills would be a perfect fit with Milwaukee's trio of young stars (Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jabari Parker).
3) Dallas Mavericks
Dallas has been looking for a point guard ever since Steve Nash left, and Rubio isn't the star they'd hope for, he would certainly be an upgrade. Deron Williams showed some flashes last year, but at 32, he clearly doesn't have a whole lot left in the tank. Rubio would be part of a new core of players with Wesley Matthews, Harrison Barnes and Andrew Bogut, and he could be deadly as a playmaker with all the shooters Dallas has.
2) Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers tried to acquire Rubio on draft night, targeting him as the answer to their backcourt problems. Sergio Rodriguez is an unproven commodity at the point, and they have no depth at either guard position outside of Jerryd Bayless. We know Philadelphia is trying to get rid of Nerlens Noel, who could start at power forward for the Wolves alongside Karl-Anthony Towns, meaning a Rubio-Noel swap could be in the cards.
1) Sacramento Kings
Speaking of one-for-one swaps, there is already a lot of traction for a deal sending Rubio to the Kings in exchange for Rudy Gay. Gay has asked the Kings to be traded, and Sacramento is horrible defensively with a big need at point guard. Rubio would fill both of those needs, while Gay would slide right in as a versatile small ball four for the Timberwolves.