New York Knicks trade rumors 2016: Minnesota Timberwolves' Ricky Rubio to fulfill backcourt needs?

The search for backcourt help is a mission the New York Knicks are trying to accomplish for a few months now and the answer might be the Minnesota Timberwolves' Ricky Rubio. 

Rubio, who has been with the Timberwolves since they drafted him fifth overall in 2009, is constantly linked to trade rumors season after season. 

Ricky RubioReuters

Now, the New York Daily News reported that the Spanish point guard is available on the trade market, and he just might be the improvement the Knicks are searching for. 

New York is being connected to point guards like the Orlando Magic's Brandon Jennings (recently traded from the Detroit Pistons) and Atlanta Hawks' Jeff Teague as of late, with the trade deadline taking effect soon. 

However, the Knicks did not accomplish any deal to acquire either of the two and are continually seeking for a backcourt boost.

Rubio is a veteran who has proven his outstanding passing skills playing for Minnesota and is an experienced starter. 

However, the 25-year-old's durability is in question because of lingering injuries that plagued him all throughout his National Basketball Association (NBA) career. 

The only complete year Rubio played in the NBA was during the 2013–2014 season. In the season (2014–15) after that, he had the fewest games, only seeing action in 22 outings. 

This 2015–16 season, Rubio has sat out six games so far, with his numbers experiencing a slight decline, averaging 9.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 8.6 assists, and 2.2 steals in 30.3 minutes of action per contest. 

Despite all the issues surrounding Rubio, he is still a reliable playmaker and is a great addition to the Knicks who are now eyeing the playoffs. 

However, it is unknown if the Knicks have players who will interest teams, like Minnesota, to pursue a deal and ship a guard like Rubio. 

The Knicks already surpassed last season's performance but are four places from the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference with a 23–32 record.