Forget about the veteran Ricky Rubio. A new Minnesota Timberwolves point guard, Tyus Jones, is dragged to the rumor mill and he reportedly captured the interest of the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Orleans Pelicans. 

Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical shared this information. It seems Rubio is off the trade block and Jones is replacing him. 

Wojnarowski mentioned that the Timberwolves are trying to keep Rubio until rookie Kris Dunn (2016 5th overall pick) can take over. 

So Rubio's stay in Minnesota is extended while he mentors and guides Dunn. This could be the reason why Jones is suddenly involved in trade talks. Aside from this, maybe another factor is the crowded status the Timberwolves are experiencing at the no. 1 position. 

Currently, the Timberwolves have Rubio, Dunn, Jones, and John Lucas III at point guard. This may bring troubles with rotating players for head coach Tom Thibodeau. 

If Jones is the expendable for the Timberwolves, then they will likely pursue negotiations with the 76ers and Pelicans, since for now, they are the only ones who have expressed interest in the 20-year-old.

It is hard to look for other potential trade partners, especially with Jones failing to have an impressive debut year last season.

In Jones' rookie year, he saw action in only 37 games with all of them coming off the bench. He averaged 4.2 points, 1.3 rebounds, with 2.9 assists per outing. 

It is uncertain what the Timberwolves are aiming to acquire once they trade Jones. They are almost complete in all positions. Maybe another quality veteran would help, mainly to lead the young core. 

As of the moment, the Timberwolves are yet to engage in any talks for Jones. But soon it might take place as they assess who among their point guards are staying for the season and who must go.