Ricky Rubio is eligible for an extension before Oct. 31. (USATSI)
The Minnesota Timberwolves and Ricky Rubio have until Oct. 31 to negotiate a contract extension, and the two sides are "a good distance apart," according to the St. Paul Star Tribune's Jerry Zgoda. Wolves general manager Milt Newton told reporters Thursday that "we're not necessarily in a rush" to get something done, via the St. Paul Pioneer Press' Andy Greder.
CBSSports.com's Zach Harper has explored the Rubio conundrum in detail. The point guard is one at the very best at his position in terms of defense, passing and rebounding. He's a breathtaking open-court player. He turns 24 in a month. He and agent Dan Fegan reportedly want a maximum contract, though, and that's a tough one. Rubio's poor shooting and lack of aggressiveness on offense aren't necessarily going to get better.
It's also simply a tricky time to be a free-agent point guard if you're not a superstar. The talent pool there is much deeper than it has ever been, which is a major reason why Eric Bledsoe -- perhaps a future All-Star -- is still unsigned despite media day being about a week away. The max isn't realistic for Rubio, and there isn't a whole lot of incentive for Minnesota to lock him up right now. Unless Fegan and Rubio decide to drastically lower their asking price, it seems unlikely anything will happen before the deadline.
Basketball Hot News
Report: Cavaliers signing A.J. Price
Kyrie Irving will obviously get the first crack at playing point guard for LeBron James and Kevin Love, but who will back him up?
Matthew Dellavedova is probably the most talented player in contention, but I think he’s more suited to playing shooting guard. There, his scoring ability works a little better, and his passing and ball-handling turn into huge plusses.
John Lucas III and Chris Crawford both play point guard, but Lucas’ salary is fully unguaranteed, and Crawford has a very small guarantee. There’s a decent chance both get waived before the season.
So, the Cavaliers are bringing in another option.
Terry Pluto of The Plain Dealer:
The Cavs will bring veteran point guard A.J. Price to training camp.
Like with Lou Amundson, it sounds as if Price will receive an unguaranteed contract.
Price, 27, has played five NBA seasons – three with with the Pacers, one with the Wizards and one with the Timberwolves. In Minnesota last season, he played just 3.5 minutes per game in 28 contests. The Timberwolves even cut him with fewer than two weeks left in the season.
He’s a decent-enough passer, and his defense can be solid. But his poor shooting – 38 percent from the field, 32 percent on 3-pointers – really limits his effectiveness.
The Cavaliers’ depth chart gives Price a chance to make the team, either as the backup or No. 3 point guard. But you have to think Cleveland will keep looking for answers behind Irving.
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