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[Saba Sports News] An experienced NBA player seems close to ending his career. Ricky Rubio, a guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers, took a leave for mental health reasons last summer and hasn’t been back with the team. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski recently reported that Rubio and the Cavaliers have settled on a contract buyout.
Wojnarowski suggests this buyout probably marks Rubio’s NBA career conclusion. The 33-year-old might continue his professional career in Spain, his home country.
Rubio is set to earn $6.1 million this season, with a next season’s partial guarantee of $4.25 million.
Starting his professional journey in Spain at age 14, Rubio was the Minnesota Timberwolves’ fifth overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, debuting two years later. Over his 12 years in the NBA, he’s averaged 10.8 points, 7.4 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.
Rubio, who had his second ACL tear two years ago, has had limited playtime in the past two seasons. He joined the Cavaliers mid-last season, averaging 5.2 points and 3.5 assists across 33 games.