Ricky Rubio not available for trade: Timberwolves GM

Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio of the Minnesota Timberwolves is not available for any trade, according to Milt Newton, the team’s general manager.

Newton, who was hired as the team’s GM in 2013, said in a recent interview that the Timberwolves are committed in Rubio for the upcoming season and sees the point guard from Spain as a key part in their squad.

"We're not talking to anybody about trading Ricky," Newton told Jon Krawczynski of the Associated Press. "We expect Ricky to be an integral part of our team this season. We expect him to be here come training camp and leading our team."

Rubio, who was the Timberwolves’ first round pick in the 2009 NBA Draft or the fifth overall selection, has been involved in multiple trade rumours not only in the current offseason but also in previous ones.

The Timberwolves’ GM called Rubio “one of the best facilitators” in the league and stated that the Spanish PG is expected to run and lead their team, which is filled with athletic players including 2014 No. 1 pick Andrew Wiggins, high-flying guard Zach Levine and 2015 No. pick Karl-Anthony Towns.

Rubio has struggled with various injuries in his first four years in the league. He played in just 22 games last season and averaged 10.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 8.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Rubio's assist average rank fourth overall among all NBA players.

Rubio signed a four-year $55 million (AU$ 78.3 million) contract extension with the Timberwolves despite the injury history, which includes surgery to his right ankle.

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