NBA trade rumors are out that Ricky Rubio is currently "available for trade" and that the New York Knicks could take a shot at the Minnesota Timberwolves point guard before this Thursday's trade deadline arrives.

New York Daily News' Frank Isola noted that two-time Slam Dunk king Zach LaVine might become the Wolves new starting floor general by the weekend as incumbent starter Rubio is said to be "readily available" and "could be moved" before the NBA trade deadline expires this week.

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It is widely known that Phil Jackson and the Knicks had long been looking for the ideal point guard that will run their triangle to its full potential in the Big Apple.

They had considered Detroit's Brandon Jennings, Houston's Ty Lawson, Atlanta's Jeff Teague, Memphis' Mike Conley, and, just recently, Milwaukee's Michael Carter-Williams as their options for the starting point guard role that Spaniard Jose Calderon is currently occupying.

Actually, Rubio had long been linked to a possible move to the Knicks ever since last season, but rumors have remained rumors and this was the only time he was mentioned once more in line with New York's current search for their ideal playmaker.

Rubio is averaging 9.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 8.6 assists in 30.3 minutes of playing time a night this season, slightly lower than his numbers of 10.3 points, 5.7 boards, and 8.8 dimes in 2014-2015, but he still has a ton of value especially for point guard-starved teams like the Knicks.

Meanwhile, SB Nation indicated that the Wolves might be thinking that the 25-year-old Rubio will be too old when the core trio of Andrew Wiggins, Karl-Anthony Towns, and LaVine "fully blossoms" and so the reason behind the team shopping the Spaniard right now.

The report continued that "instead of making that gamble, the Timberwolves could move Rubio now, get some young players or draft picks back in return and continue to solidify their roster in a way similar to what the Thunder did with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook".

While Rubio is not a great offensive player, he is a great passer and playmaker and could also provide good wing defense. He can really be an asset for playoff-bound teams in need of reliable role players to get deeper into the postseason.

TagsNBA Trade Rumors, Knicks Trade Rumors, new york knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Ricky Rubio