Knicks Draft Rumors: New York To Trade For Rubio Instead Of Drafting A Point Guard?

The New York Knicks have a big need at point guard this offseason, and many expect them to address that need with the No. 8 overall pick in a class loaded with quality point guards.

New York has already been linked to Frank Ntilinkina and expressed interest in Dennis Smith Jr., but may end up not drafting either. According to ESPN's Ian Begley, the Knicks may pursue a trade for Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio rather than drafting a rookie at the position.

Some in the organization were hopeful after the trade deadline that they could revisit their attempts to acquire Rubio from the Minnesota Timberwolves in the offseason, per sources.

It's unclear if that interest remains, but Rubio would fit the mold of a two-way contributor. He is one of the 49 players who had positive real plus-minus ratings on both offense and defense last season.

Derrick Rose is set to be an unrestricted free agent, and while both sides have expressed interest in a possible return, the Knicks aren't expected to seriously pursue Rose unless they strike out on their other top options.

Rubio averaged 11.1 points, 9.1 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game this past season.

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