NBA News - Ricky Rubio Saga Continues

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Rubio Saga Keeps Going And Going…

Ricky Rubio’s pending contract buyout with DKV Joventut Barcelona is for a reported $6.6 million, meaning that he has to give that money to the club before he can play in the NBA. The buyout is holding the Timberwolves and Rubio at bay, and the options for the young point guard are vast, to say the least.

Ideally, the Wolves want to see Rubio in uniform for this coming season. He’ll be playing for the Spanish National Team this summer (yes, you can bet on that too) and would be in game shape even if he showed up to training camp late. There is little doubt amongst scouts that Rubio is destined for amazing things in the NBA, but I’m wary of a kid who is only 18-years-old and has been playing second-tier basketball in Europe his entire “professional” career.

Rubio’s camp in Europe is trying desperately to get the buyout price down to the $3 million neighborhood, a price that Rubio could indeed pay given that he will be making above $4 million during the three years of his rookie contract. However, that doesn’t negate the fact that he could very well just stay in Europe, mature physically and then play as a rookie at the age of twenty.

The latter suggestion is more for Rubio’s sake, than the Wolves. David Kahn is adamant about getting Rubio in the NBA as fast possible, but most young men go through a second “growth spurt” of sorts in their late teens (unless you’re Greg Oden, who went through his first growth spurt back in 1943…ah, these jokes never get old…at least not as old as Greg Oden’s face! Booyah!). Rubio would be best served physically by developing his game in Europe a bit more, and putting on some much needed mass. The Wolves are also better served by this point because they’d rather reserve the $8 million or so they will pay to see if Rubio is good in two years or not.

Kahn is in Spain right now trying to hammer out a deal. The announcement could come as early as next week if one is completed, but the lengthy drawing out of this process has me skeptical already. Nobody in their right mind would give up $6.6 million for owned property if they can get that value for it. “Sure take my Porsche for 40-cents on the dollar! Please!” The only way this gets quickly resolved is if DKV Joventut Barcelona hires Chris Wallace to be their GM for a week.