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Raptors rumors: Pass or pursue for 4 trade targets

By Jason Mills

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 25: Head coach Dwane Casey of the Detroit Pistons talks to Blake Griffin #23 in the second half while playing the Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Arena on November 25, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 25: Head coach Dwane Casey of the Detroit Pistons talks to Blake Griffin #23 in the second half while playing the Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Arena on November 25, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Ricky Rubio, Raptors
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 23: Ricky Rubio #9 of the Minnesota Timberwolves (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Toronto Raptors trade target No. 4: Ricky Rubio

The pursuit of a point guard seems odd for the Raptors. They did draft one at the 2020 NBA draft in Malachi Flynn. Further, he was recently sent down to the Raptors 905, who begin play in a 15 game schedule on February 10th, 2021.

The Raptors also employ, since last season, a double-point guard starting lineup with Lowry and Fred VanVleet. One under-discussed problem with the Raptors’ mediocre season to date is ball security and unforced errors.

Could Rubio get back on track in Toronto?

At the moment, Lowry and Vanvleet combine for an average of 4.9 turnovers per game, and Siakam adds another 2.4. Both Lowry and VanVleet tend to be score-first point guards as well. Rubio is a great passer and ball-handler who enjoys setting his teammates up for good scoring opportunities.

In his now 10-year career, he is averaging 11.1 points and 7.7 assists per game. However, this season, in his second stint with the team that drafted him in the Minnesota Timberwolves, he has only started seven of 21 games. His scoring average has fallen to 6 points and 5.9 assists in just over 23 minutes per game.

Like Bamba, he is a player not needed by his current team. He is backing up D’Angelo Russell, but the Timberwolves are 6-17 on the season. At 30 years old, his productivity is already dwindling as he has gone from a +2 between offensive and defensive rating last season to a -17 this year and role player duties. He would not be better for Toronto than Lowry or VanVleet, and he is a weak defender.

Rubio is under contract for $17 million this year and $17.8 million next season. The Timberwolves acquired Rubio for two late first-round picks in 2021, so he is probably a fairly reasonable pick up via trade. The question is should the Raptors be interested?

At that price, certainly not.

Verdict: Pass