Recent trade rumors have suggested a Ricky Rubio-Iman Shumpert swap between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Cleveland Cavaliers as the reigning NBA champions are looking for a replacement for potential retiree Mo Williams in the upcoming season.
Reports were out late in the offseason that 13-year veteran Williams is considering retirement after winning his first-ever NBA title with the Cavaliers last June. Without the one-time All-Star, Cleveland would be short of point guards to backup Kyrie Irving next season as Matthew Dellavedova had moved to the Milwaukee Bucks via this summer's free-agency.
With that premise, trade rumors abound that the Cavs could target the 25-year-old Rubio via a trade with defensive shooting guard Shumpert as the possible trade piece to offer to the Wolves.
Chat Sports Net noted that Rubio "has been included in such trade talks ever since he expressed interest in playing for a bigger market" and that he also wants to play for a contending team.
Rubio being mentioned in trade rumors is actually nothing new as he had been in speculated deals since last summer. It has only gone louder this time especially after his recent comments that he wants to exit Minnesota if the team will not qualify to the playoffs next year.
There were also speculations that the Wolves are ready to move on from the young veteran as the club wants to focus on building their young core composed of Andrew Wiggins, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Zach LaVine. The rumors became apparent this summer when Minnesota drafted Providence point guard Kris Dunn fifth overall in last June's draft.
The report suggested that the Cavs send a package composed of Shumpert, Williams, and a future first-round draft pick for Rubio.
Fansided reported that should he be traded to the Cavs, Rubio "would finally have a chance to play for a championship", which is what he desires to do in the first place.
Rubio's strength is passing and playmaking and it could blend well with both LeBron James and Irving on the floor.
As for weaknesses, scoring, defense, and consistency had always been the Spaniard's Achilles' heel in all his five seasons in the league.
Also, Rubio should not expect to be the starter over Irving as it will definitely not happen. Head coach Tyronn Lue may sometimes play them both at the same time with Rubio at number one and Irving at the two-guard spot as the two have distinct games that can also complement one another.
