Ricky Rubio has at least one more season left on his contract with the Cavaliers, and he’s thinking about finishing his career in Spain once his NBA commitment is complete, writes Johnny Askounis of Eurohoops.
“I am starting to consider my return,” Rubio said in an appearance Sunday on the La Sotana podcast. “Going home. To Barcelona. Close to home.”
The 32-year-old guard is under contract for $6.1MM next season, but he has only a $4.25MM guarantee on his $6.4MM salary for 2024/25. Cleveland will have to terminate the contract by June of 2024 if the team decides not to pay him the full amount.
Rubio had a limited role for the Cavs this season after his year-long rehab following an ACL tear. He wasn’t able to play until January and then appeared in 33 games, averaging 5.2 points, 2.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 17.2 minutes per night.
Rubio was a star in Europe for six years before coming to the NBA. He helped Barcelona capture the EuroLeague championship in 2010 and the Liga ACB title in 2011.
He has played 12 years in the NBA with the Timberwolves, Jazz, Suns and Cavaliers.
Heck why not, wouldn’t be all that bad after 14 seasons of NBA to be home and hoop.
Waiting on that comment mentioning him drafted before curry.
If he can stay healthy he can be a back up, but can’t blame him wanting to be a star at home.
You know he was drafted before Curry right?
1st time I heard that
Cavs encouraging Ricky to play some this summer. Probably because they need to evaluate: Will he be improved 2nd year out from surgery? If not Cavs might want to prioritize upgrading the position.
I’m sure the Cavs would be more than happy to accommodate him and tear up the last year of his contract.