David Kahn went to Spain three times this summer in an attempt to broker a deal with Ricky Rubio. He failed. The flashy 18-year-old who the Timberwolves foolishly drafted 5th in June – one spot before taking another point guard, Jonny Flynn of Syracuse – has signed a two-year deal with Regal Barcelona, keeping him away from Minnesota until 2011 at the earliest. What a brick. Kahn’s response? Trash Rubio, of course. Kahn told the AP today that he had a deal in place with Rubio and his agent … but Rubio decided to stay in his homeland instead of going to Minnesota. It seems unlikely that he’ll ever wear a Timberwolves jersey.

1. Why draft Rubio in the first place? This teams needs are many – trading down to secure more picks might have been a better move. Rubio’s agent let it be known early – he wanted a big-city team to enhance his marketability. His reluctance to workout for a lot of teams should have been a big enough red flag.

2. There’s no guarantee that Rubio will even play with Minnesota. The Knicks apparently covet him, but they can’t swing a deal now because they don’t have a 2010 1st round pick. At best, Minnesota can spite Rubio, keeping him out of the NBA until he’s 22.

The Wolves own Rubio’s rights as long as he plays professionally elsewhere. He’d have to sit out an entire season before he could go back into the NBA draft.

There is nothing to hint that the Timberwolves will be a .500 team this year or the following year. Kahn needs to admit failure and swing a deal. Public payback is unbecoming of an NBA President. Flynn is capable NBA point guard. He doesn’t have the star potential of Rubio, but it matters not – the team is built around Al Jefferson, anyway. Deal Rubio for picks next year or a SG/SF. Rubio to stay in Spain for two more seasons (Yahoo) Rubio saga takes another spin (Star Trib)