Ricky Rubio: Timberwolves GM said team ‘almost traded’ me

The Minnesota Timberwolves strongly considered the possibility of trading point guard Ricky Rubio at the trade deadline. We know this because his boss told him so.

Rubio, who has shot the ball better this season and vastly improved his 3-point stroke, told The Associated Press this week that T-Wolves GM Milt Newton recently informed he was “almost traded” but the offers were not rich enough.

“When the GM comes to you and says that’s what happened, it hurts, but you’ve got to be professional,” Rubio said. “You’ve been here all your career and thinking they were supporting you. At some point, they weren’t. But I’m professional. I’m going to give it my all. I love playing basketball and every time I step on the court I want to win.”

We don’t know how it would have happened, but Newton insists Rubio misunderstood him.

“I told him we’ve never, ever called another team to trade you, but it is my job to listen,” the GM said. “I even shared that with his agent. I never told him we almost traded you, because we didn’t almost trade him.”

This is not the first time Newton has claimed the T-Wolves are not interested in trading Rubio, yet very specific rumors continue to pop up. The reality is there are probably very few teams who have been willing to give up much for Rubio, which makes sense considering his disappointing play and inability to stay healthy.

Rubio has not missed a game since Nov. 29. If he can close out the season healthy, he will be able to work on his game this offseason rather than rehabbing. That could inspire the Timberwolves to keep him, or it could increase his trade value. Will a head coach like this one come calling? We wouldn’t rule it out.