The Toronto Raptors reportedly are interested in trading for Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio.
The Raptors are currently 17-17 on the season. They could pursue Rubio as a potential replacement for impending free agent Kyle Lowry, according to FortyEightMinutes’ Chris Crouse.
“The Raptors are making ground in the Eastern Conference, though Masai Ujiri & Co. continue to evaluate several scenarios ahead of the trade deadline,” Crouse wrote. “One of which involves Ricky Rubio, as the team would have interest in adding the point guard, sources tell FortyEightMinutes.com.
“The franchise’s interest in Rubio, who will make just $17.8 million next season in the final year of his contract, is dependent on Kyle Lowry‘s situation. There are mixed reports on whether the Raptors intend to move on from Lowry and/or ‘make right’ by him in sending the point guard to a preferred destination.
“The question of whether the Raptors will be buyers or sellers at the deadline is one that they are keeping tight-chested. Though, as a rival executive explained, that’s partially because they don’t necessarily need to dive headfirst into either direction.”
Toronto won the NBA Finals in 2019, but it lost Kawhi Leonard the following offseason.
Toronto could be on the verge of losing Lowry, so having a contingency plan in case the star leaves should help Toronto avoid a full rebuild.
This season, Rubio is averaging 7.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game.
