Esteemed veteran guard Ricky Rubio has reached a buyout agreement with the Cleveland Cavaliers, a pivotal move that likely marks the conclusion of his illustrious NBA career, as reported by Adrian Wojnarowski. This decision follows Rubio’s absence from the court throughout the current season, during which he took a hiatus from the team in August to address his mental health.
If the 33-year-old maestro decides to lace up his sneakers professionally once more, all indications point towards a return to his homeland, Spain.
Rubio’s journey in the NBA has been characterized by resilience, particularly over the last two seasons where he was restricted to a mere 67 games due to a challenging recovery from a torn ACL. Despite this setback, he showcased a remarkable resurgence at the conclusion of the previous season, earning a well-deserved three-year, $18 million contract with the Cavaliers in the summer.
The No. 5 overall pick in the 2009 draft, Rubio carved out an impressive career spanning 698 games across four teams. His stat line of 10.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game reflects his multifaceted contributions on the court. Rubio’s legacy is indelibly associated with his tenure with the Minnesota Timberwolves, where his creative playmaking endeared him to fans and solidified his status as a respected figure in the league.