Without much surprise, ESPN announces that the Horsemen and Ricky Rubio agreed on a “buyout”, the Ohio club buying out the contract of the Spanish playmaker in order to release him.
The 33-year-old was still due to receive $3.5 million, out of his $6.1 million salary for the 2023/24 season, while $4.25 million was guaranteed for the next season, out of $6.4 million.
Last August, Ricky Rubio announced that he would not be present with La Roja during the World Cup.
“I decided to stop my professional activity to take care of my mental health. I would like to thank all the support I received from the FEB in understanding my decision. Today #LaFamilia takes on more meaning than ever. THANKS. I would ask that my privacy be respected in order to face these moments and to be able to provide more information when the time comes.” he then wrote to explain his decision.
An impressive collection of medals with La Roja
Months later, we still do not know if Ricky Rubio will be able to resume the thread of his career, but this “buyout” undoubtedly marks the end of the adventure in the Big League for the 5th choice of the 2009 Draft.
A precocious phenomenon in Europe, the Spaniard had joined Wolves, who had waited two years before being able to join him. Despite everything, he did not have the expected impact in Minnesota, ending up being traded to the Jazz, before joining the Suns, then returning to the Wolves. Before finally landing with the Cavaliers.
Pure playmaker, limited by injuries and an average outside shot, Ricky Rubio has mainly enjoyed success in the Spanish selection. At youth level then with the A's, with a silver medal at the 2008 Olympics, a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics, a gold medal at Euro 2009 and 2011, a bronze medal at Euro 2013 and 2017 , as well as a gold medal at the 2019 World Cup, of which he ended up MVP!
