Cavaliers ‘discuss parting ways with veteran point guard Ricky Rubio’ as the absent Spaniard continues to manage his mental health away from the team
- The Cavilers are currently dealing with an injury crisis following serious injuries to key stars
- Rubio has been away from the team since the summer and back home in Spain
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The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly discussing the prospect of parting ways with veteran point guard Ricky Rubio The Athletics.
Rubio has been back in Spain and away from the Cavaliers since the summer while dealing with mental health issues. There are serious doubts about when or if he will ever play basketball again.
He is not expected to return to the court this season and there is no word on whether or not he has worked on his game to keep his skills sharp for an eventual return to the NBA.
However, the Cavilers are in the midst of an injury crisis after starting point guard Darius Garland suffered a broken jaw and will be sidelined for more than a month.
Additionally, big man Evan Mobley may be out for more than two months after knee surgery.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are discussing parting ways with veteran point guard Ricky Rubio
Rubio has been back in his home country of Spain since the summer, where he has been dealing with his mental health
The Cavilers are currently dealing with an injury crisis after serious injuries to Garland and Mobley
The 33-year-old Rubio signed a three-year, $18.5 million deal in the summer of 2022 and is currently making $6.1 million this season. His contract also includes $4.25 million guaranteed for next year.
Rubio averaged 5.2 points and 3.5 assists in 33 games last season and would go on to play for Spain in the FIBA World Cup before stepping back from basketball.
The Cavilers and Rubio's representation could potentially negotiate a buyout of a significant portion of his contract, or the team could choose to waive him and the payments he owes over several years, to 'extend'.
Rubio's contract is also still eligible to be traded to another team.
The 2009 No. 5 overall pick was a key contributor during Cleveland's 2021-2022 season, as they started the year as one of the top teams in the NBA's Eastern Conference before sliding down the standings after suffering a torn ACL in January incurred.
Over his 12-year NBA career, Rubio has averaged 10.8 points and 7.4 assists. He also played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns.