Ricky Rubio in Barcelona, the Timberwolves in the Cold

Ricky Rubio will not play in Minnesota this year. According to several reports and a statement from DKV Joventut, he will instead play for Regal Barcelona, which has negotiated for his rights. ESPN's Chris Sheridan and Ric Bucher report: The news came as a blow to Wolves general manager David Kahn, who spent the past several days in Spain negotiating with officials from DKV Joventut, trying to present a worthy counteroffer to the one already on the table from Barcelona for the rights to the 18-year-old point guard. Joventut had shown itself willing to accept a discount on Rubio's astronomical $8.11 million buyout, with FC Barcelona reportedly offering $5.28 million. The Timberwolves' offer, which could include only $500,000 in cash under NBA rules, would presumably have revenue streams from Rubio's endorsement deals and his four-year, $15.2 million NBA rookie-scale contract ($3.27 million salary in 09-10, $3.51 million in '10-11, with team options for $3.76 mill...