Report: Wolves attempted Rubio-Middleton swap prior to deadline

The Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly looked to create a big splash prior to February's trade deadline.

Minnesota attempted to swap point guard Ricky Rubio for the Milwaukee Bucks' Khris Middleton, while also discussing the possibility of throwing in a protected 2016 first-round pick, according to ESPN's Zach Lowe. Milwaukee was reportedly unsatisfied with the Timberwolves' offer, and countered with Michael Carter-Williams, to which Minnesota declined.

A career 40.2 percent three-point shooter, Middleton would be a natural fit for Minnesota, who currently rank dead last in 3-point field goals per game. After putting together an excellent defensive season in 2014-15, Middleton hasn't been quite as lethal at stopping his opponents this year, but would almost definitely improve the Timberwolves' 28th-ranked defense.

Lowe reports that Kidd has long had an interest in lanky point guards with broken jumpers, which is why Milwaukee entertained the thought of adding Rubio to their core.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker were not on the trading block for Milwaukee, according to Lowe.