The Minnesota Timberwolves will reportedlydo everything in their power to keep their young, budding point guard Ricky Rubio from walking away like what Kevin Love did this summer. Rubio, who could become a restricted free agent in 2015, is said to be discussing a possible contract extension with the Timbwerwolves front office, although no final deal is close to finalizing yet.
NBA Insider Kevin Pelton believes that Rubio will end up getting a similar contract that Bledsoe declined to sign with the Phoenix Suns, which is a four-year, $48 million deal. He wrote, "I think they'll offer less than the max - maybe something like the Suns' offer to Bledsoe - and if Rubio takes it, great, otherwise they'll play out restricted free agency."
Meanwhile, Andrew Melnick of Fansided believes that just like Bledsoe, Rubio is seeking a max contract from his team. Melnick postulated that negotiations are expected to drag out, although not in the same magnitude with the Bledsoe situation in Phoenix. Rubio had also confided once that he is loyal to the team and wants to give Minnesota what they gave him, which is "a lot of love."
Timberwolves president and head coach Flip Saunders must weigh in on whether or not he should extend Rubio's rookie contract and give him an offer that would resonate the belief that the organization percieves him as a franchise cornerstone. Saunders has purportedly talked with Rubio's agent Dan Fegan and both sides are expected to discuss more before the October 31 deadline. Without an extension, Rubio will become a restricted free agent next summer and the Wolves could risk losing him just like how the Houston Rockets lost Chandler Parsons to the Dallas Mavericks this offseason.
Whether the Wolves see Rubio as a franchise cornerstone or not remains to be seen. In the meantime, the Spanish point guard is said to be spending his time bulking up for the coming season, according the Yahoo Sports. The site said, "He had listened to Minnesota Timberwolves officials, and grown stronger in his upper body, sturdier for the pounding of a pro point guard. He is 23 years old, and still holds the promise to be a dazzling NBA player. Rubio's gifts with the ball and pass are unique, and yes, still largely untapped."
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