SUMMARY
- The Cavaliers and Ricky Rubio have agreed to a contract buyout.
- Rubio stepped away from the team to address his mental health.
The situation surrounding Ricky Rubio, who was one of the best facilitators in the NBA at one point, has been a complete mystery. After joining the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2021, the point guard barely made an appearance on the court. The Cavaliers were hoping that Rubio’s presence would elevate them. Rather he experienced a couple of injuries that hindered his ability to play.
In 2021, the Minnesota Timberwolves traded him to the Cavaliers after a fairly decent season. Shortly after joining the Cavaliers, Rubio tore his ACL and missed a good portion of the 2021-22 season. He eventually returned to play for the Cavaliers during the 2022-23 season. He averaged 5.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game in 33 appearances. He played during the second half of the season and in three playoff games.
During the summer, Ricky Rubio was expected to compete alongside his Spanish teammates for the 2023 FIBA World Cup. However, sources revealed that he unexpectedly stepped away from the roster to focus on his mental health. Spain eventually topped the Group G rankings before falling to Latvia and Canada before the quarter-finals.
Unfortunately, Ricky Rubio continued taking time off from basketball even as the 2023-24 season unraveled. Several reports and statements from the team’s staff claimed that he stepped away to address his mental health. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff claimed that he had no idea or information on what was going on. But the Cavaliers were preparing to partway with him.
When did Ricky Rubio last play for the Cavaliers?
Ricky Rubio last played for the Cavaliers during the 2023 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks. Unfortunately, the Cavaliers fell to the Knicks in five games. Rubio was not present during the final game of the series. The Cavaliers recently announced that they agreed on a contract buyout with Rubio and the veteran also announced his retirement from the NBA.
ESPN Sources: After stepping away from the franchise to address his mental health, guard Ricky Rubio and the Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed on a contract buyout. If Rubio — a 12-year veteran — plays professionally again, it will be likely in his native Spain. pic.twitter.com/zyDvRihaGL
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 4, 2024
Ricky Rubio announces his retirement from the NBA https://t.co/IILevcOS5L
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 4, 2024
Rubio signed a $18.5 million three-year deal with the Cavaliers. He had one more season left on the contract and the Cavaliers owed him just over $6 million next season. In 698 games, Rubio averaged 10.8 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game. Sources claim that Rubio is likely to resume a basketball career in Spain.