The Cleveland Cavaliers have joined in on the Draft Day action. Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Cavs have acquired veteran guard Ricky Rubio and a second-round pick from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Taurean Prince:
This is an interesting move for the Cavs, especially with Collin Sexton’s future in Cleveland in question. He’s been rumored to potentially be traded this summer.
Rubio brings a ton of experience and playmaking ability to the table for a rebuilding Cavs team. In 68 games this past season with the Timberwolves, the veteran averaged 8.6 points while dishing out 6.4 assists per night.
He’s been known throughout the course of his career to be a tremendous facilitator, which should help elevate the talent around him like Darius Garland and Sexton if he stays put. Rubio is also fresh off a 26-point performance for Spain in the Tokyo Olympics, where they took down Argentina.
As for Prince, he had a limited role with the Cavs due to injuries, featuring in just 29 games. However, he did average just over 10 points per game. The former Nets big man quickly reacted to the trade as well, voicing his excitement to get to work with an exciting Timberwolves team that is full of talent:
The Cavs get another versatile offensive weapon in Rubio, and the Timberwolves receive a solid player in Prince who can be a force on both ends when healthy. A win-win for both organizations.