Re the situation. I refrained from posting in this thread as I'm not sure that there's actually anything to this. Rubio doesn't strike me as the kind of person who would demand to go to a certain team. If this is actually the case, I'll be a little disappointed in him. I don't like when players do this. It would suck immensely for the Grizz fans that were hoping to take him 2nd. Just unfair. We would feel the same if he snubbed us.
That said, I'm all for getting him, so if this is true I'd hope we take advantage of the situation.
I've been lurking as well, but it is Rubio's agent who has been throwing this out there. Better yet, it is somebody else who is saying that Fegan wants this for his client.
Here is the deal. Pau didn't like the way the Grizzlies were run, Juan Carlos Navarro hated playing for them, and Marc hasn't really publicly said anything, but all the Spaniards talk. I honestly don't know why Memphis gets them all anyway, but it doesn't really make sense to go there from Rubio's standpoint. His countrymen hated it, he will have competition for minutes, and Memphis is the 48th largest media market in the US (out of 289). Adversely, Sac is 16th, with no other local pro sports competition. OK City is 36th.
It is a no-brainer as far as Fegan is concerned. If the Clips were to ship out BDiddy, then that is his first choice. That team is loaded with talent. Clay for Rubio to mold in the 2nd largest media market (behind NY). Sac is right after LA in terms of desirability not only because of market size, but also because our fan-base would endear itself to Rubio. He would have a team that would grow with him, and possibly be a contender after a few years. He would have free will to do pretty much whatever he wanted on the court, as well as some players that would really benefit from his presence.
This is all a moot point if the Clips are playing jungle ball and plan on taking Rubio, but if not then the Kings have to be considered candidates if they are willing to make a move.
In any event (Griffin or Rubio) Clippers would either:
A: Have to move Baron, which i am not sure they are ready to do yet, even though he has proven that he can't mesh with the coach. Not to mention, that contract is hard to move. I could see the Mavs biting, in there ever-changing desperation, or even the Rockets, they might not want to let Aaron Brooks drive until he can see over the steering wheel.
B: Have to move Z-Bo, which they are MORE than willing to do, and even though the task seems daunting, there are a few teams that I think would be ready to take him. He's a 20-10 guy, lets not forget that. The Pacers would certainly take a look at him, filling a hole at the 4 while also taking the opportunity to pack Tinsleys bags, possibly re-uniting the Dunleavy's as well. Maybe Milwaukee would consider it, shipping out Jefferson and Ridnour for Randolph, moving Charlie to the 3 and possibly making some room to re-sign Sessions.
Being that the second scenario has essentially been promised (might be a curveball though) by Clips execs, that puts Sacto in prime position. Memphis would certainly ask for the 4, cash considerations, and either a player, the 23rd (we should try to keep this), or a conditional future pick. This would put them in the position they would like to be in, drafting a player they need without paying too high of a price.
If Memphis decides to go Thabeet, then OKC will be looking to trade down. This is where the Kings could suffer. The Wizards like Rubio just as much as we do, and they can offer a package that is much more enticing to the Thunder. The 5 pick, which could potentially turn into Harden or Hill, Nick Young, and Brendan Haywood or Blatche/Songaila for the 3 and a guy like Malik Rose or Nenad Krstic.
Even with all this conjecture, it all depends on what Petrie decides is best for the team. I think it is a no-brainer from our perspective as well. You do what you can to get him within a decent amount of explainable reason.
I'm paranoid, but I am also an optimist. I think everyone is out to get me a present. Rubio will be just fine.