Timberwolves Make a Splash: Linsanity Headed to Minnesota

In a move that no one saw coming, the Timberwolves have decided to go in a different direction with their team by trading Ricky Rubio in favor of All-Star Jeremy Lin, Chandler Parsons, and the youngster Jamaal Franklin. A Ricky Rubio trade was "leaked" a few hours before the moratorium was finally lifted, which left many GMs wondering where the young floor general would end up. Some speculated the Orlando Magic for Nerlens Noel, other suggested Milwaukee for a package including the #4 pick, but in the end, the Wolves shocked the league by sending Rubio to fellow Spaniard, GM Jamal in New York.

In the end, it's apparent the Wolves made this trade because they simply were not satisfied with Rubio's performance this past season, and in a year where he must either be extended or traded, the Wolves opted for the latter. There's certainly a market for a pass first point guard, putting Jake between a rock and a hard place: soak up a lot of the cap space he had acquired for a point guard that he wasn't sold on yet, or trade him and move on.

It also seems a contributing factor to Rubio's departure was simply his inability to defend. In the past season, Rubio gave up 33 points to Jrue Holiday (twice), 33 to Kyrie Irving, 28 to Stephen Curry, 24 to Damian Lillard, and 20+ points to Chris Paul 3 times. Having a defensive hole guard the opposing point guard is never a good idea.

That's not to say Ricky Rubio didn't have his own merits. He was tied for 7th at the end of the season for assists in the entire league, and with his incredible passing ability, he was able to get the most out of his teammates while still keeping his turnovers low. But now, the Wolves have a scoring guard that can play defense, effectively the opposite of what Ricky Rubio provided for the team.

After the trade, the Wolves boast a starting lineup of Jeremy Lin running the point, Ben McLemore remaining at shooting guard, Chandler Parsons at forward, Kevin Love at power forward, Jamaal Franklin in the 6th man role, with a hole at center, that will be filled in free agency or the draft. The Wolves now have $28 million dollars in cap space and 5 draft picks to fill the rest of the roster out.

Jake, GM of the Minnesota Timberwolves wrote:The Minnesota Timberwolves are pleased to announced the acquisition of 3 new players. Say hello to your newest Timberwolves, Jeremy Lin, Chandler Parsons, and Jamaal Franklin. We are confident that this trade puts us on the route to the playoffs and even further. Of course, our job isn't over yet. We will continue to add pieces to this team through diligent drafting and the plethora of cap space we have this offseason. We wish Ricky Rubio nothing but the best in New York, he was a great asset here, and he will realize his full potential in the Big Apple with the help of Jamal.

The deal definitely makes you more complete, but with #8 and cap space, I would've given Rubio one more year at least to see how the trio would fair with another year and a better supporting cast.

Still a very good haul though, I'm sure you won't lose Parsons for nothing.

orangeparka (MIA) wrote:The deal definitely makes you more complete, but with #8 and cap space, I would've given Rubio one more year at least to see how the trio would fair with another year and a better supporting cast.

Still a very good haul though, I'm sure you won't lose Parsons for nothing.

Stand pat for a year? Man, that's a Rizzo move. Booooooring.

Ahaha touché! I have a young core to build around so I can be patient with my squad.

I really hope Linsanity can keep up his great play in Minnesota.
And of couse I'll be following Parsons too. He's still 'my man', and it would be great to see him continue his improvement even far from New York. And of course the same for Jamaal.

Jamal (NYK) wrote:I really hope Linsanity can keep up his great play in Minnesota.
And of couse I'll be following Parsons too. He's still 'my man', and it would be great to see him continue his improvement even far from New York. And of course the same for Jamaal.

Since I took over the job you've been wanting Rubio, and that entire time I've been wondering if I did something wrong with him just because you wanted him so much, haha. In any case, good luck, I'm sure you have a plan to make him much better than he was for me.

Loved this deal for you. Lin/Parsons alone are a very good haul for Rubio, with Franklin added it's even better. Did very well on this one.

Let's be honest here, Jake only made this trade so that he could see this in the locker room.



And he really didn't even want Jeremy Lin, but Jamal had to include him, because Chandler and Jeremy can't be broken up. #Bromance4Life

LOL, truth is they've been traded twice as part of the same trade, so there might be something there..   

Myles (SAS) wrote:Let's be honest here, Jake only made this trade so that he could see this in the locker room.



And he really didn't even want Jeremy Lin, but Jamal had to include him, because Chandler and Jeremy can't be broken up. #Bromance4Life

Gotta say. Parsons is a pretty attractive dude.

Wow OMG, sold so low on Rubio. Can't believe you made this deal without more coming your way.

Riot (MKE) wrote:Wow OMG, sold so low on Rubio. Can't believe you made this deal without more coming your way.

I smell a rivalry!

If only we were in the same division/conference!   

Riot (MKE) wrote:If only we were in the same division/conference!   

No necessary at all. Look at me and that crappy franchise in Charlotte.

Riot (MKE) wrote:Wow OMG, sold so low on Rubio. Can't believe you made this deal without more coming your way.

Haha, I see how it is...