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Cleveland Cavs Trade Talk: 5 Cavaliers Trade Targets

By Evan Hablitzel

Mar 23, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) defends Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) in the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) defends Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) in the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Cavaliers
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PG Ricky Rubio

Point guard Ricky Rubio is 26 years old, yet too old for the youth movement currently taking place with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Both Kris Dunn, 22, and Tyus Jones, 20, are patiently awaiting his departure (minutes).

Rubio is averaging a career-low in points (7.9) and his 8.1 assists per contest are his lowest since the 2012-2013 season (7.3). His 13.6 usage percentage and 34.7 assist percentage are the lowest totals of his career. The Timberwolves need for Rubio is decreasing as their youth continue to develop.

While consistent, Rubio never blossomed into the player Minnesota believed he could be before Kevin Love’s departure to the Cavaliers. He’s a dreadful shooter (37.6 percent), but manages the game while minimizing mistakes — a perfect fit for the Cavaliers.

Acquiring Rubio will require some finesse from general manager David Griffin. Rubio inked a four year deal worth $55 million before the 2015-2016 season. He’s due to make $13.4 million this season. While the Cavs hold three different trade exceptions totaling $11.4 million, teams are not aloud to combine TPEs.

A third team would likely need to enter the deal for it to be a reality. But as the Kyle Korver deal put on full-display, Griffin is a wizard working around the NBA’s complicated cap rules.

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