The Cleveland Cavaliers are expected to part ways with their point guard Ricky Rubio. This could reportedly happen through mutual contract termination or a trade.
Rubio has been away from the team since August, deciding to take a break from basketball in order to focus on mental health. The Cavs were initially okay with keeping him on their roster, but their injury woes in recent weeks prompted them to change course.
According to Shams Charania and Joe Vardon of The Athletic, Cleveland and Rubio are currently discussing the best way to move forward. The team is dealing with several injuries and a lack of backcourt depth and would use the flexibility and a roster spot that Rubio’s departure would bring. However, the Cavs also want to “do right” by the veteran due to his contributions to the franchise.
Ricky Rubio played 33 games in the 2022-23 season with the Cavs after returning from an ACL injury. The 33-year-old player averaged 5.2 points, 2.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. He is currently in the second year of a three-year, $18 million contract he signed with Cleveland in 2022.
The Cavaliers will be without starters Darius Garland and Evan Mobley for at least one month, while their All-Star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell is also dealing with a minor injury. The team is currently sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 15-10 record.
