Ray Richardson, Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn. –
The Timberwolves picked up the third-year options on contracts for point guard Ricky Rubio and forward Derrick Williams, the team announced Tuesday, Oct. 30.
Rubio and Williams, both in their second NBA seasons, will be under contract for the 2013-14 season.
Rubio, recovering from a major knee injury, will earn $4.002 million in 2013-14. He’s earning $3.741 million this season. Williams, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft, will earn $5.293 million in 2013-14, up from $4.947 million this season.
Rubio, a native of Spain, finished second last season in balloting for NBA rookie of the year behind Cleveland point guard Kyrie Irving. Rubio averaged 10.6 points, 8.2 assists and 4.2 rebounds before missing the final 20 games of the season.
Rubio tore the anterior cruciate ligaments and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee after colliding with Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant on March 9 at Target Center. Rubio led all rookies in assists and finished sixth in the NBA in assists.
The 6-foot-8 Williams was the only Wolves player to play in all 66 games last season. He averaged 8.8 points and 4.7 rebounds. In 15 starts last season, Williams averaged 11.3 points and 5.7 rebounds in 30.0 minutes.
