Ricky Rubio has emerged as a key bench piece for the Cleveland Cavaliers, and he made a welcome return to the Cavs midway through the 2022-23 season after tearing his ACL the year before. Rubio was traded to the Indiana Pacers, only re-sign with Cleveland in the ensuing free agent period, but rumblings of his desire to return to his native Spain have been growing louder lately.
Rubio spent time with Joventut Badalona and FC Barcelona in the Spanish ACB League prior to making it to the NBA, and given how he’s entering the final stages of his career, it would make sense that he would want to return to Spain to finish his playing career. On Tuesday afternoon, reports began to emerge suggesting that Rubio had already agreed to return to FC Barcelona after the 2023-24 season.
“Various sources familiar with the contacts have confirmed to Mundo Deportivo that there is great harmony between both parties and that the operation is practically agreed.” – Jose Ignacio Huguet, Mundo Deportivo
This report quickly made its way into NBA circles, with Cavs fans being upset that it seemed like their top point guard off the bench would be leaving after one more season with the team. However, Rubio quickly shut down these rumors in hilarious fashion, saying that his sources are telling him that these rumors are false. (If you click on the tweet below you will be able to translate it if needed.)
So as quickly as these rumors came about, it seems like they have come to an even quicker conclusion. Rubio may ultimately end up returning to Spain at some point, but it doesn’t seem like a decision that he is ready to make just yet. As a result, Cavs fans shouldn’t have any reason to fear that Rubio will be leaving in the near future.