T-Wolves deal Rubio to Jazz for 1st-round pick

The Minnesota Timberwolves traded point guard Ricky Rubio to the Utah Jazz in exchange for the Oklahoma City Thunder's 2018 first-round pick, the team announced Friday.

The trade was first reported by The Vertical's Shams Charania. The first-rounder will be top-14 protected, according to ESPN's Marc Stein.

Rubio in Salt Lake City likely signals the end of George Hill's tenure with the Jazz, as the 6-foot-3 point guard is set to enter unrestricted free agency on July 1.

Reports surfaced earlier this month that the Timberwolves would have interest in signing free agents Jrue Holiday, Jeff Teague, or Hill should they find a suitable trade partner for Rubio.

The 26-year-old Spaniard is coming off a solid season with Minnesota, averaging 11.1 points, 9.1 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.7 steals on 40.2 percent shooting.

The Jazz are entering a key offseason, with Hill and All-Star swingman Gordon Hayward both free agents.