Whether Ricky Rubio plays in the NBA this coming season remains to be seen, but it's looking less and less likely that he'll ever play another minute for DKV Joventut, the Spanish team that currently holds his rights. Rubio's current contract includes a $8.2 million buyout clause, and both Rubio and the Timberwolves have engaged in negotiations to reduce that figure. Even though NBA rules preclude the Timberwolves from contributing more than $500,000 to the buyout, team president David Kahn traveled to Spain this week in hopes of expediting the talks.
Unfortunately, both sides are still at a stalemate, and the failed negotiations may have created too much ill will for Rubio to return.
"I want to continue with the club but, after everything that's happened, I don't think they're too comfortable having me in their squad,'' Rubio said Wednesday. "I want to play in a winning team, on a team that can achieve many things.''
What are Rubio's options? Well, the AP reports that both Real Madrid and Barcelona are interested in signing Rubio, and they're not beholden to the NBA's rules regarding buyouts and the rookie salary scale.
In the big picture, Rubio's earning potential is undoubtedly greater should he become a star in the U.S., but in the short-term he'll likely make more money by staying in Europe.
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