Ricky Rubio retires from the NBA; Cavaliers reach buyout agreement

Guard Ricky Rubio revealed Thursday that he is retiring from the NBA after stepping away from the team to address his mental health.

Rubio, 33, addressed his choice in a social media post, stating that July 30 – just before he initially suspended his playing career – was “one of the toughest nights of my life,” but that he is doing better now.

“One day, when the time is right, I would love to share my entire experience with you all so that I can help others in similar situations.” “I’d like to keep it private until then out of respect for my family and myself, as I’m still working on my mental health,” Rubio added. “But I’m proud to say I’m doing much better and getting better everyday.”

According to ESPN, Rubio and the Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed on a contract buyout. The move, which covers the $6.1 million remaining on this year’s deal and $6.4 million for 2024-25, provides financial relief to the Cavaliers while also opening up a roster space.

Rubio acknowledged all of his NBA clubs, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, and Cleveland Cavaliers, but he singled out Cleveland.

“My last home,” Rubio said. “I understand how things ended up being difficult. I never expected the year would unfold in this manner, but you have an incredible organization, led by [president of basketball operations] Koby [Altman] and [coach] JB [Bickerstaff], who have been tremendously courteous and understanding of my circumstances, as well as caring for me as a person.”

If Rubio continues his professional career, it will most likely be in his home Spain, where he began as a 14-year-old prodigy.

Over the summer, Rubio’s agent, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management, informed Altman of his desire to take a break to address mental health difficulties. The Cavaliers had accommodated Rubio, but conversations switched to a buyout in recent weeks as it became evident that Rubio did not want to play for the Cavaliers – or even in the NBA – again, according to sources.

Rubio has missed the most of the last two seasons while rehabbing from his second ACL tear. He appeared in 33 games for the team last season, joining them in the middle of the season and averaging 5.2 points and 3.5 assists per game.

As a youth, he played professional basketball in Spain, where he was the youngest player in the history of the famous Spanish ACB League at 14 years old. Rubio was the Timberwolves’ fifth choice in the 2009 NBA draft, and he spent the first six years of his career with them.

Following Rubio’s declaration, the Timberwolves applauded him, writing “Thank you for everything” in a social media post.

Rubio averaged 10.8 points and 7.4 assists per game during his career, and he became a favorite of numerous elite players, including Kevin Love and Donovan Mitchell.