With the 2017 NBA Draft just around the corner, it’s only safe to assume that the trading season has also begun. At this point of the year, when the draft order has already been announced, teams often burn the hotlines as they look to salvage a deal that would improve their placing in the draft or even get a star. While trades for superstars like Paul George or Jimmy Butler can wait until July, Basketball Insiders’ Steve Kyler mentioned two borderline All-Star players who will more likely be moved around the NBA Draft.
Ricky Rubio
Kyler called the Minnesota Timberwolves’ desire to trade Ricky Rubio the worst-kept secret in the NBA.
It was almost obvious the Timberwolves were going to unload the Spanish playmaker at some point last season. However, they shocked everybody at the trade deadline when they backed off at the last minute from trading Rubio to the New York Knicks in exchange for Derrick Rose.
However, the situation is a lot different now compared to last February. With the Wolves ready to anoint Kris Dunn as next season’s starting point guard, it’s now a priority for Tom Thibodeau to find a new home for Rubio. Unsurprisingly, the Knicks remain the most likely destination for the pass-first point guard. “Sources near the Knicks situation said it’s also possible the team looks to Rubio as the immediate answer at point guard and swings for the fences in the draft targeting a huge upside player like Jonathan Isaac, especially as the Knicks try to move on from Carmelo Anthony this summer,” per Kyler.
Eric Bledsoe
Looking for a dynamic point guard who is coming off a career year? Bledsoe might be the guy for you! According to Kyler, Bledsoe is another productive player who will likely get significant trade interest either before or after the NBA Draft. The former Kentucky Wildcats playmaker has been in and out of trade rumor mill for the last three years; however, Kyler feels Bledsoe will finally find a new home this time around because of the youth movement going on in Phoenix.
Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy could find Bledsoe interesting especially after showing significant improvement in his 3-point clip over the last four seasons. He could be a nice replacement for Reggie Jackson, who put up just 14 points and 5 assists per game, but pocketed the same money ($14M) as Bledsoe earned last season.
Another team to watch are the Philadelphia 76ers, who have the cap space to absorb the two years and $29.5 million left on Bledsoe’s contract. They are expected to look for a playmaker either in the free agency or trade market if they use their third pick for the wingman, Josh Jackson, in the draft.
