The Minnesota Timberwolves dangling Ricky Rubio at the trade deadline seemed like an annual tradition, but the trade that actually did send him out of the Gopher State last summer appeared to be of Rubio’s own doing.
Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic reported on Monday that Wolves owner Glen Taylor was initially reluctant to trade the veteran guard but changed his mind after Rubio told him directly that he thought a parting of ways would be best.
Rubio, 27, was drafted by the Wolves in 2009 and spent the first six seasons of his NBA career with them, becoming a Minnesota fan favorite. But his name was a constant inclusion in trade talks towards the latter part of his tenure, and he was ultimately sent to the Utah Jazz last June for a 2018 first-rounder.
Now Rubio is on the verge of clinching a playoff spot with the Jazz after never once making the postseason in Minnesota. He also scored a team-high 23 points with seven rebounds and three assists in a revenge game win over the Wolves on Sunday. All things considered, it’s hard to be surprised that Rubio pushed for a trade from Minny given the signs he had exhibited over the years.
