Indiana Pacers trade rumors: Will interest in Ricky Rubio materialize?

Steve Nash and Ricky RubioReuters

Ricky Rubio has always carried that promising NBA career on his head and the Minnesota Timberwolves pride themselves of seeing that happen.

Or do they?

Trade rumors involving the Spanish star guard have been peculiarly coming out left and right and now, he is being wooed into possibly landing with the Indiana Pacers. How serious are the Pacers? If it means giving up their best young point guards, they would do so.

The sudden interest does come as a surprise considering the Pacers may have more or less settled down after ridding themselves of Roy Hibbert and welcoming back star forward Paul George. Monta Ellis is also on board after signing the former Dallas Maverick in free agency.

So why get Rubio? Would it mean adios to starting guard George Hill? Or will it be someone else with either Hill or Rubio jockeying for the starting position?

Recall that the Pacers are in for a massive change for the coming season, going small and potentially adapting a new kind of philosophy in the up-tempo style of play. Known for his ball hawking skills, Rubio certainly fits into that niche. That alone makes him a good fit for the defense-first philosophy of the ballclub.

For his part, Rubio has repeatedly said that he is happy in Minnesota and from all indications is confident that the T-Wolves will do the right thing.

It remains to be seen if the Timberwolves would dislodge an established player like Rubio with contract issues, perhaps the only thing seen for a possible trade scenario.

The T-Wolves have a good frontline themselves and Rubio is perfect to quarterback for the likes of Andrew Wiggins and incoming frosh Karl-Anthony Towns.

So will the T-Wolves give up the Spaniard or is this another one of those "what if" scenarios?