Timberwolves close to signing Ridnour, hold on to Rubio

LAS VEGAS - The Minnesota Timberwolves continue to cling to Ricky Rubio, yet they've also been filling his position by adding point guards to the roster. According to reports, the team last night was on the verge of signing free agent Luke Ridnour, which immediately caught the attention of the Knicks, who have coveted Rubio, the 19-year-old Spanish star, since the 2009 draft.

A person with knowledge of the situation said the Knicks recently have made contact with the Timberwolves to check on Rubio's availability but got nowhere. When asked by Newsday if Rubio was still off limits, Wolves president David Kahn replied, "Yes."

Kahn, who traded up for the No. 5 pick in the 2009 draft to select Rubio, only to follow by selecting yet another point guard, Jonny Flynn, at No. 6, insists that Rubio will begin his NBA career in Minnesota.

"David believes he will get him," an NBA executive said. "He will not trade him until he thinks [otherwise]."

Rubio could refuse to sign with Minnesota and force a trade, though the Timberwolves hold the leverage here because they keep his rights forever and can leave him in Europe for the rest of his career. Rubio has strong aspirations to play in the NBA and there were strong suggestions from people in his camp during the '09 draft that his preference was New York.

He is contractually obligated to one more season with Regal FC Barcelona before he can opt out for the NBA. The move comes with a 1-million euro buyout to be paid to Barcelona, which he led to the Euroleague championship this season.