Report: Cavaliers reach buyout with G Ricky Rubio

Field Level Media|published: Thu 4th January, 12:24 2024

Dec 1, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio (3) reacts in the fourth quarter of the game against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena. credits: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Cavaliers agreed to a contract buyout with veteran point guard Ricky Rubio, ESPN reported Thursday.

Rubio, 33, stepped away from the franchise in August to concentrate on his mental health.

The 12-year NBA veteran had $6.1 million left on this season's contract and $6.4 million for 2024-25.

The reported buyout provides the Cavaliers with some financial relief and also clears a spot on the roster.

Rubio missed most of the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons recovering from a torn ACL.

The Spanish star joined Cleveland in a February 2022 trade and appeared in 67 games (10 starts) for the Cavaliers, averaging 9.2 points, 5.1 assists and 3.1 rebounds.

Rubio's career averages include 10.8 points, 7.4 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.8 steals in 698 games (603 starts) for the Minnesota Timberwolves (2011-17, 2020-21), Utah Jazz (2017-19), Phoenix Suns (2019-20) and Cavaliers.

—Field Level Media