Timberwolves trade Ricky Rubio to the Utah Jazz for first round protected pick:
The Minnesota Timberwolves have traded point guard Ricky Rubio to the Utah Jazz in exchange for their 2018 first round pick (Top 14 protected). Rubio averaged 11.1 points, 9.1 assists, and 4.1 rebounds one season ago in 75 games with the T-Wolves. This move cleared up cap space of $14,250,000 that Rubio was set to make next year.
The Utah Jazz now have a playmaker who will provide passing and defense in Salt Lake City. He will either share time or play alongside Dante Exum next season, which will be a fun tandem to watch.
The Timberwolves were quick to find another guard after this trade by signing free agent Jeff Teague. The deal was worth 57 million over three years. The third year is a player option. Teague, the former all star, was a member of the Indiana Pacers last season. He averaged 15.3 points, 7.8 assists, along with 4 rebounds. Teague also shot 44% from the field, and knocked in his fair amount of three pointers, with a 35.7% mark from deep.
Teague has been a solid contributor during his eight year NBA career. One thing the Timberwolves really liked is the fact he stays on the court and isn’t injury prone, unlike Rubio who’s injuries have slowed his career. Teague will provide better shooting for the T-Wolves, and though Rubio may be the better playmaker, Teague can still dish out the ball. (7.8 assists last season)
The Minnesota Timberwolves are now geared up for a playoff run this season with the likes of Jimmy Butler, Karl Anthony Towns, and Andrew Wiggins. Teague’s veteran presence and playoff experience will bolster those chances of making it to the playoffs in the loaded western conference.
