re: NBA Trade Deadline 2/23 3 PM ET

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According to NBA sources, some members of the Timberwolves organization were against dealing for Rose because his playing style could hurt the growth of young studs Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns.

But more so, Thibodeau, the Timberwolves coach and president, feared it would be too difficult to re-sign the point guard because of his potential max contract demands and it did not want him as a rental despite their playoff push. Thibodeau wanted to shed Rubio’s contract, but apparently not enough even with the club is on a 10-8 run.

“I love our team, I love the way we’re working,’’ Thibodeau said after the deadline at Thursday’s practice.
The Knicks wanted Rubio, but as an injury risk, demanded the Timberwolves include another asset – a draft pick or 6-10 scorer Nemanja Bjelica. The Serbian is a favorite of Knicks European scout Kevin Wilson and has averaged 5.8 points in 55 games.

The Knicks reportedly came off their extra demand in the final hour, but it became too late in the game for a straight Rubio-for-Rose swap.

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