Friday Frenzy: The True and Mostly False Behind Trade Rumors

Timberwolves Likely Not Looking to Trade Rubio

A couple of obscure outlets have recently sprinkled trade rumors involving Minnesota point guard Ricky Rubio, including an international website that suggested the Knicks were looking to trade for Rubio.

Currently in Dubai, Rubio squashed any trade talks--and he did so confidently. He said the following to Gulf News:

"I have confidence that the team wants me, but you know in this league anybody can get traded. You don't listen to the rumors. You just live day-by-day, and that's it."

Rubio does go so far to acknowledge that no one really knows what will happen in the NBA until it does. That being said, however, it seems safe to say Minnesota isn't anywhere near looking to trade its starting point guard. It's hard to say what will happen down the road, depending on how rookie Tyus Jones pans out, but the Wolves have a lot invested in Rubio; in addition, his value extends beyond the court.

Chalk it up to a long offseason and people making something out of nothing.

No Progress on Anthony Bennett Front

As I wrote about last week, the Wolves have had no luck in moving forward Anthony Bennett. Despite being the 2013 No. 1 Draft pick, Bennett has yet to live up to the hype. During the 2014 season, he averaged just 4.2 points for Minnesota.

Last week, Raptors Rapture writer Conrad Chow proposed an interesting scenario involving Toronto and Minnesota. Just as a reminder, this is not an actual trade rumor but rather the entertainment of an idea.

"[... Patrick] Patterson can stroke the ball well from deep but offers no long-term upside. Meanwhile [Luis] Scola is a stable presence and an intelligent player, yet he doesn't fit as a future piece for the Raptors," Chow wrote.

He continued later:

"The Raptors should evaluate their own guys as well as monitor Bennett's stock. Bennett was drafted first for a reason, and his recent international play suggests there is still untapped potential in his tank. Furthermore, his chemistry with current Raptor Cory Joseph and their on-court success in international matches is worth considering. Maybe the Raps could bring him home [to Canada] in the near future."

While certainly nothing official, Chow makes some interesting observations here. It will be interesting to see if the Wolves end up finding a way to deal Bennett to any team moving forward.

Lynx Looking for Friday Win

Don't forget about the Lynx! Minnesota will look to notch a second consecutive win at home tonight when they face Indiana. The Lynx defeated the Fever earlier this season and have not seen them since. Although Minny has already clinched a spot in the WNBA Playoffs, the team had a brutal August and is hoping to finish the season with an upswing.

Tune in tonight at 7 p.m. CST.

Lindsey's Friday Flick Recommendation

Check out the Southpaw trailer below, and happy weekending!