According to Chris Ryan of Grantland, the Indiana Pacers are interested in trading for one of the best young point guards in the NBA.

The Indiana Pacers are pursuing Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio. Rubio, who averaged 10.3 points and 8.8 assists per game last season, has been the source of trade speculation for months.

On the possibility of Rubio playing for the Indiana Pacers, Ryan writes: “Rubio plays the game with so much joy. By the way, joy is a feeling of great pleasure or happiness. Between Paul George’s injury, Lance Stephenson’s departure, and Roy Hibbert’s undoing, Indiana could use a little bit of it. Also, with the way Rubio shoots, I think it works for him to be playing so close to the Brickyard. Tip your waitress.”

“With his ball-hawk skills (2.3 steals per game last season), Rubio actually fits into the Pacers’ defense-first philosophy. If there were ever a Larry Bird reclamation project, Rubio is it. If he can turn Stephenson into a borderline All-Star, imagine what he can do with Rubio.”

Many teams other than the Indiana Pacers have been rumored to be interested possible landing spots for the Spaniard, including the Milwaukee Bucks and San Antonio Spurs. As previously reported by the Inquisitr, the New York Knicks would also like to take a shot at the 24-year-old point guard.

As reported by Dunking with Wolves, a trade sending Rubio to the Indiana Pacers can be seen as beneficial for both sides. Minnesota sees Indiana Pacers point guard George Hill as a veteran that could be a stabilizing presence for the young talent. Rakeem Christmas would also be sent to Minnesota as a part of that deal.

“Hill has been the most consistent player on the Pacers’ roster the last four years. When Lance Stephenson wasn’t performing, Hill was. When Paul George was out most of last year, Hill stepped in and scored 16 points per game. Hill would be an interesting point guard to plug into the Wolves system.”

The Indiana Pacers have done a solid job of unloading some large contracts over the past few seasons, which opens a window to bring in Rubio, who will want to make big money. Also, seeing as the salary cap will rise substantially next season after the lucrative television deal, that gives the Indiana Pacers even more room to make moves.

While it looks like many teams want Ricky Rubio, the Indiana Pacers look to make the most sense for the guard.

Do you think the Indiana Pacers will make a transaction in order to acquire Ricky Rubio? If not, what other moves do you see the Indiana Pacers making before the NBA season begins in October? Finally, how do you see New York faring this season after narrowly missing the playoffs last season by finishing in 9th place?

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