Just hours before the start of the NBA’s free agency period, the Utah Jazz have acquired point guard Ricky Rubio from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
In return for the floor general, the Timberwolves will receive a 2018 first round pick from Utah.
Utah currently owns the rights to their own pick, as well as the Oklahoma City Thunder’s first round pick (should it fall within picks 15-30). At this time it’s not clear which pick the Timberwolves acquired, or if there are any additional protections placed on it.
The two teams have been working on a deal for days and had a deadline of tonight to get it done so that Rubio could be absorbed into the Jazz’s available cap space.
This move almost certainly means the end of George Hill‘s time with Utah.
The 26-year-old Rubio has been one of the NBA’s top set-up men since entering the league.
Rubio played in 75 games for the Timberwolves last season, averaging 11.1 points, 9.1 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.7 steals a game while shooting 40% from the field and 30% from 3.
The Spanish point guard has two seasons remaining on his contract at a reasonable $14.2 million in 17′-18′ and $14.8 million in 18′-19’. With free agency just 6 and a half hours away, the Jazz now turn their full attention to retaining the services of free agent small forward Gordan Hayward.
Meanwhile, Minnesota has been linked to free agent point guard Jeff Teague to replace Rubio. Reports suggest that a deal could be struck quickly.
Update: Recent reports suggest that the Timberwolves will receive the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2018 first round pick which will only be conveyed if it falls between picks 15-30.