With Dunn joining the Timberwolves already came into fruition, the team could explore trading Rubio, who has reportedly demanded Minnesota a trade if they do not reach the playoffs next season.
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Things started to fall into place for the Timberwolves to get the top player on their board after the Boston Celtics selected Jaylen Brown with the No. 3 pick in Thursday’s NBA Draft.
Career highs in points per game and assists per game were signs of an offensive improvement for Butler last season, who would reunite with new Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau should a deal go through. That’s not Rubio’s strong suit, which explains why Thibs may want to get rid of him.
Kris Dunn walks on stage after being drafted fifth overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 23, 2016 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Dunn said before the draft he wanted to play for Thibodeau and now it looks like he will get his wish.
Minnesota’s two biggest team needs are outside shooting and defense. Dunn, at 22, is only a few months younger than heralded senior Buddy Hield. He is the only guard to win both Big East player of the year and defensive player of the year in the same season.
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I don’t pay too much attention to the off-court nonsense, except for work, but National Basketball Association rookies don’t have much of a choice. Rubio is great at passing and can make the right plays on offense. Chicago could also be interested in acquiring Rubio with their need for a starting point guard. In return, the Bulls would have picked up Kris Dunn and Zach Lavine, a phenomenal slam dunk champion that can draw in an audience. “He is the best guard in this draft”.
