It’s been nearly three months since anyone has written about a Ricky Rubio trade rumor.
Clearly, it’s been too long.
According to Jon Krawczynski of the Associated Press, Rubio has switched agents from Dan Fegen to Jeff Schwartz, whom Krawczynski described as one of the NBA’s “power agents.” A switch in agents could be a “preemptive move in case Minnesota finally pulls the trigger on a trade,” Hoops Rumors speculates.
Only one person is reporting that Rubio definitely wants out of Minnesota. That’s 1500 ESPN contributor Darren “Doogie” Wolfson, who says he got a text from a source saying Rubio wants to be traded.
Rubio’s name was involved in countless trade rumors last season before they finally faded after the February trade deadline passed and the 26-year-old point guard went on to finish the most productive season of his career. Rubio set career highs in points (11.1), assists (9.1), field-goal percentage (40.2%), free-throw percentage (89.1%) and minutes (32.9).
Jeff Schwartz is one of the league's power agents, w/ long history working with Wolves (Big Al, K-Love, Pek, Aldrich, etc).
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) May 16, 2017
During last week’s NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, Wolves president/head coach Tom Thibodeau said Minnesota’s biggest offseason needs are shooting and defense. Rubio is a liability as a shooter. Even though he shot a career best 40.2% last season, he was still a 30.6% shot from three. Plus, the Wolves drafted Kris Dunn fifth overall last summer, making him the heir apparent to start at point guard sooner than later.
