Ricky Rubio Gets Contract Buyout From Cavs; Could Play In Spain

Ricky Rubio and the Cleveland Cavaliers have parted ways, as ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports, amidst Rubio’s ongoing absence from the team.

The split follows discussions about Rubio’s future in professional basketball, with Wojnarowski suggesting that if he returns to the sport, Rubio is more likely to play in Spain, his home country, than in the NBA.

Rubio, who had two years remaining on his contract with the Cavaliers, valued at over $12 million, had previously signed a three-year deal worth $18.4 million in July 2022.

The 33-year-old basketball player made headlines in August when he announced a hiatus from the sport to prioritize his mental health, a decision he communicated through the Spanish Basketball Federation, emphasizing the importance of family and requesting privacy during this period.

“I have decided to stop my professional activity to take care of my mental health,” Rubio said in a statement via the Spanish Basketball Federation. “Today #Family makes more sense than ever … I ask to respect my privacy to be able to face these moments and to be able to give more information when the time is right.”

The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Joe Vardon had previously hinted at ongoing negotiations regarding a possible separation between Rubio and the Cavaliers. This was further corroborated by Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer, who noted the Cavaliers’ interest in utilizing Rubio’s salary for team improvements before the NBA trade deadline.

Despite facing challenges, including key player injuries, the Cavaliers have maintained a competitive stance this season. Their current record, 19-15, keeps them in the race for the playoffs, and the team is actively seeking to bolster its roster to compete more effectively in the Eastern Conference.

Rubio’s tenure with the Cavaliers saw him play 67 games over two seasons, averaging 9.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. His NBA journey began with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who drafted him fifth overall in 2009 and included stints with the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns.