Timberwolves' Rubio confident he won't be dealt

Despite an incessant deluge of trade rumors surrounding his status with the Minnesota Timberwolves, point guard Ricky Rubio is certain of his future.

"I have confidence that the (Timberwolves) want me but you know in this league anybody can get traded," Rubio told Jamie Goodwin of the Gulf News in Dubai. "You don’t listen to the rumors. You just live day-by-day and that’s it."

Goodwin added that Rubio emphatically reiterated his desire to stay put with the only NBA organization he's ever known. He feels attached to Minneapolis.

From the Timberwolves' perspective, there's little reason to trade Rubio. He's signed for three more years at roughly $14 million per season, and when healthy, Rubio is one of the league's best playmakers and an elite defender for his position.

At 24 years old, Rubio is young enough to fit the timeline of the Timberwolves' rebuild. Talent is rising in Minnesota, with top picks Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns set to take the reins moving forward. Playing with a passer like Rubio will help foster their development.

Rubio is expected to be ready for training camp after playing just 22 games last season due to bouts of ankle issues. His team suffered as a result, winning just nine games during his absence.