Well it took a while, but I guess the mystery around the flashy Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio is about to end. After being drafted 5th overall a couple years ago by the Minnesota Timberwolves he opted to stay overseas as he and the Wolves were facing a $6 million buyout with his european ball club.
The Spanish point guard today announced has agreed to join the Timberwolves next season, ending a two-year negotiation with the team that had a few stops and starts.
A person with knowledge of the agreement confirmed to The Associated Press on Wednesday night that Rubio will play in the NBA next season. The person requested anonymity because neither Rubio nor the Timberwolves planned to make an official announcement while he continues to play for Regal Barcelona in the Euroleague playoffs.
The Timberwolves drafted Rubio fifth overall two years ago despite a buyout of his Spanish contract that topped $6 million. The enormity of the buyout caused Rubio to stay overseas rather than immediately come to the NBA, and there was talk that the precocious teenager did not want to play in Minnesota.
The current labor uncertainty complicated the negotiations. But Rubio ultimately decided he was ready to come over now.
Read more about Rubio finally coming to the NBA via AP on NBA.com.
