The rumor mill is back again! This time it features a new and relatively quieter player, Minnesota Timberwolves’ Ricky Rubio. With the Spanish point guard becoming a restricted free agent next year, Minnesota has tried to quickly lock him up before he hits the market. However, the sides, according to sources, aren’t even close.

Part of the reason for this is that Rubio’s agent believes there is a stronger market for him if he hits free agency.

Re: Rubio, @Adam_Kuhn@2_Shoe – #Twolves would do a 4-yr deal in $42M range. That hasn’t changed. Agents see NYK/LAL w/ cap space next year. — Darren Wolfson (@DarrenWolfson) September 23, 2014

Part of me is intrigued by this thought process. The New York Knicks will have a ton of cap space next year to rebuild their team around Carmelo Anthony. What better way than to bring in a pass first point guard who will only be turning 24 this season?

Here’s the problem: the Knicks already have a point guard in Jose Calderon, and Ricky Rubio might be one of the worst shooters in NBA history. As we discussed in the Rajon Rondo rumors, the Knicks will not be in the market for a bad shooting point guard while using the triangle offense. Rubio redefines bad shooting as he is a career 36% shooter. This makes Rondo look like Reggie Miller!

If Rubio can be had at $10 million a year, I think he at least gets a look from Phil Jackson. Based off the fact that Minnesota is offering 4 years $42 million and he won’t take it, the safe bet is that he wouldn’t take less from the Knicks. However, it could be like Greg Monroe where he doesn’t want to stay on his current team no matter what they offer. After all, who wants to play for the Timberwolves? Certainly not Kevin Love.

Ricky Rubio has a great skill set that includes unbelievable ball skills, superior floor vision, and a knack for getting steals (2.3 spg for his career). As good as he is in these areas, his turnovers (3 per game) and atrocious shooting is not the most appealing combo for what the Knicks are trying to do.

At the end of the day, Ricky Rubio is an unbelievable talent. He is not the kind of player you give max money to however. In the event that the Knicks decide to part ways with Calderon, Rubio gives them a cheaper and younger option to Rajon Rondo. Realistically, I do not see this happening, but hey it’s New York; crazier things have happened!