Minnesota Timberwolves GM David Kahn says Ricky Rubio isn’t likely to wind up in New York via a trade.
“I mean no disrespect to the Knicks or Donnie [Walsh],” Kahn told Alan Hahn of Newsday before the Knicks hammered the Wolves, 132-105, “but what kind of trade could they propose?”
As we reported Monday, former Knicks international scout Tim Shea says there are several reasons Rubio isn’t likely to land in New York. First, multiple teams would be interested in landing Rubio via a trade and the Knicks hold no special chips. Second, Rubio would prefer a warmer climate. And Shea also pointed out that Rubio wants to win Euroleague championships before coming to the NBA (which may only delay his arrival, not impact where he lands.)
“Minnesota knows what they have so I don’t see his rights getting traded so easily,” Shea told me. “The New York Knicks are not any better off in getting him than anyone else in the league.”
Chris Duhon did put up 13 assists and 0 turnovers in the Knicks blowout win of the Wolves Tuesday night, but you can bet Walsh is still working the phones looking for additional help at the point guard spot by the Feb. 19 trading deadline.
As for next year and beyond, even though the Wolves have former Syracuse star Jonny Flynn and Ramon Sessions, don’t expect them to send Rubio to the Big Apple.
“I fully expect Ricky Rubio to start his playing career in a Minnesota Timberwolves uniform,” Kahn told Hahn.
He added: “Of course I also couch this with everything: I can’t predict the future. I can’t say for certainty that something would happen to change that plan. But the plan, for now — and it’s a firm plan, we have a lot invested in the kid already, a lot of energy and resources last summer were exhausted, and I’m very eager to see him start his career in our uniform.”
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There have been five 50-point home losses in NBA history, according to ESPN.
1986 – Sonics 136, Rockets 80 (56 points)
2003 – Pistons 118, Celtics 66 (52)
Sunday – Mavericks 128, Knicks 78 (50)
2007 – Rockets 124, 76ers 74 (50)
The Knicks enjoyed the largest margin of victory after a 50+ point loss:
Knicks – 27-point margin of victory (Tuesday vs. Minny)
76ers – 26 (’93 vs. NJ)
Warriors – 20 (’72 vs. BAL)
Trail Blazers – 19 (’76 at KC)
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