The Cleveland Cavaliers and point guard Ricky Rubio have begun discussing a potential parting of ways, according to NBA insiders Shams Charania and Joe Vardon of The Athletic.
Rubio has been on permitted leave in Spain from the Cavaliers since the summer as he manages his mental health. There are serious doubts about whether he will play in the NBA again.
Rubio is making $6.1 million this season. His contract for next season is guaranteed at $4.25 million. The veteran appeared in 33 games for the Cavaliers last season. He averaged 5.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.2 blocks while shooting 34.3% from the field, 25.6% from beyond the arc and 80.0% from the free-throw line.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ricky Rubio, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
The Cavaliers are looking for backcourt help since All-Star guard Darius Garland is out with a fractured jaw and Ty Jerome is still recovering from a high ankle sprain.
The Cavaliers and Rubio’s representatives could negotiate a buyout. Cleveland could also waive Rubio and stretch the payments of his remaining salary. It’s doubtful Rubio gets traded since he’s not playing.
The 33-year-old Rubio has career averages of 10.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.4 assists with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns and Cavaliers. He was the fifth overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ricky Rubio, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
The Cavaliers are 15-12 on the season. They are in sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings. Four-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell leads the team in scoring. He’s averaging 27.7 points while shooting 45.3% from the field.
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