Philadelphia 76ers trade rumors 2016: Timberwolves' Ricky Rubio best point guard target?

(Reuters/Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports)Point guard Ricky Rubio of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio has been connected to the Philadelphia 76ers for a few times already, and now, a new potential trade involving both sides arise. 

Rubio is among the playmakers linked to the 76ers who are in need of one this 2016-17 National Basketball Association (NBA) season. The switch will see him head to Philly with forward Shabazz Muhammad. The Wolves then land center Jahlil Okafor and guard Nik Stauskas. 

This seem probable, especially with the 76ers shopping Okafor during the off-season because they are loaded at the no. 4 and 5 positions. Stauskas, on the other hand, is a guy who is yet to have a definite role so dealing him for roster improvements could be an easy decision for the organization. 

The 76ers are benefitting in this deal since they are going to part ways with Okafor and will focus mainly on centers Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel. Also, it grants them an experienced court facilitator and ball handler in Rubio.

Rubio is a quality point guard who is coming off one of his best outings yet in the league. He can score when needed and is an excellent passer. His addition would have more impact if Jerryd Bayless will also see action for Philadelphia. This gives the 76ers two veteran playmakers and perhaps a clear direction of where they are going as the rebuilding process continues. 

Aside from Rubio, Muhammad is also a good addition for the 76ers. For the past two seasons, the 25-year-old managed to average double-digits in scoring. Not only that, his size allows him to play at the no. 2 and 3 positions. He can even be a power forward if head coach Brett Brown also utilize small ball lineups, that is unlikely because they have numerous big men. 

Until the 76ers struggle, trade rumors will not leave them but hopefully they stage a much better campaign in the upcoming season. 

Copyright © 2016 Ecumenical News