Ricky Rubio
No player’s name has surfaced more frequently in Milwaukee Bucks trade rumors in recent years than Ricky Rubio. From the deadline last year, to before last summer’s draft and now again at this deadline, at least according to the rumor mill, the Bucks and Rubio seem to have quite the connection.
Throughout the past few days, the Spaniard’s name has again been closely linked to the Bucks, making him the only significant potential incoming to have been mentioned in regards to Milwaukee up until this point.
So far, we’ve had speculation suggesting that the Bucks remained a team to watch out for in the race to acquire Rubio, as well as an affirmation from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst that the Bucks have definite interest in the point guard still.
As momentum starts to build with just hours remaining until the deadline passes, it looks very much like Rubio will be playing elsewhere, regardless of any potential Bucks interest.
Minnesota's Ricky Rubio remains a significant target for the Knicks today, league sources tell @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 23, 2017
The Knicks, sources say, are pushing for an additional piece from Minnesota in the Rubio/DRose talks and that's been the holdup this week.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 23, 2017
Whether the motivation is to acquire Rose for a salary dump or that Tom Thibodeau still really believes in his former point guard, the path to making a deal work in terms of salary, that would also please both teams seems a lot clearer between the Knicks and Timberwolves.
Expect Rubio to get moved on Thursday, but it would be a surprise if it was to the Bucks.