The Wolves appear to have upped their offer to Ricky Rubio, as Sean Deveney of The Sporting News hears their best proposal involved four years at around $48MM. The sides are still far apart, and Minnesota has no intention to pay the max, Deveney writes. Rubio’s agent, Dan Fegan, has reportedly asked for a five-year max deal, which would likely come in at around $85MM, while the team had apparently been seeking a four-year arrangement for around $43MM. Rubio, who turns 24 this month, and Wolves owner Glen Taylor reportedly spoke several times the week before camp and expressed mutual interest in reaching a deal on an extension, but it seems there’s still much ground to cover.
One of the primary points of debate has involved the length of the deal, as the Timberwolves seem to be insistent on a four-year arrangement. That would allow the club to save the Designated Player title for Andrew Wiggins, while five years for Rubio would mean the club would be unable to sign Wiggins to a five-year extension when he becomes eligible in 2017 if Rubio is still on the team.
The Wolves have until October 31st to strike a deal and keep Rubio out of restricted free agency next summer, and the decision is critical for the team, as Charlie Adams of Hoops Rumors examined when he looked at the former fifth overall pick as an extension candidate. Still, the Wolves would have the power to match offers next summer if they decline to do an extension. Depending on whether others ink extensions, Rajon Rondo, Kemba Walker, Reggie Jackson and Brandon Knight loom as ample competition on the market for free agent point guards in 2015.