After reaching a contract buyout agreement with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Ricky Rubio has officially announced his retirement from the NBA. The news was confirmed by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, who reported that Rubio had agreed to the buyout while being absent from the team.
Cavaliers’ Ricky Rubio Officially Retires from NBA, Cites Mental Health Focus After Contract Buyout
Wojnarowski also mentioned that if Rubio were to return to professional basketball, it would likely be in Spain. The 33-year-old had $6.1 million remaining on his contract for the 2023-24 season and $6.4 million for 2024-25, as part of a three-year, $18.4 million deal he signed with the Cavaliers in July 2022.
— Ricky Rubio (@rickyrubio9) January 4, 2024
Rubio had previously announced in August that he would be taking a break from basketball to prioritize his mental health, with no specific timeline for his return. In a statement released via the Spanish Basketball Federation, Rubio expressed his decision, saying, “I have decided to stop my professional activity to take care of my mental health. Today, #Family makes more sense than ever… I ask to respect my privacy to be able to face these moments and to be able to give more information when the time is right.“
The separation between Rubio and the Cavaliers became evident last month when reports from The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Joe Vardon indicated that the two sides had begun discussing a potential parting of ways. Additionally, Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports revealed that the Cavaliers were looking to utilize Rubio’s salary slot to improve the team before the February 8 trade deadline.
During his two seasons with the Cavaliers, Rubio struggled with injuries and played only 67 games. He averaged 9.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists during his short tenure with the team. Prior to his time in Cleveland, Rubio spent seven seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves and also played for the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns.
Over his 12-year NBA career, spanning 698 games, Rubio had an average of 10.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game. He shot 38.8 percent from the field and 32.4 percent from beyond the arc. Rubio was not only a notable player in the NBA but also had success representing the Spanish national team, winning medals at the Olympics and the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
The Cavaliers, currently holding a 19-15 record, have faced challenges this season due to injuries, including the absence of Darius Garland, who is recovering from jaw surgery. Despite their struggles, the team remains in playoff contention and hopes to add talent before the trade deadline to strengthen their position in the competitive Eastern Conference.
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With Rubio’s retirement, the NBA bids farewell to a skilled playmaker and a respected international competitor. His contributions to both the league and the Spanish national team have left a lasting impact on the game of basketball.
