Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio announced his retirement from the NBA on Thursday. The 12-year veteran had been dealing with some mental health issues and took some time off the court to work on it. He played only 33 games last season and did not suit up for the Cavs this season. Rubio’s decision came as a shock to the NBA world as he still had 2 years remaining on his contract.

Rubio and the Cavaliers agreed on a contract buyout to facilitate his retirement. The Spanish sensation reportedly gave up $5.4 million to prioritize his mental health over his NBA career.

Ricky Rubio’s contract buyout with the Cleveland Cavaliers

Veteran guard Ricky Rubio joined the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2021 following a trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Rubio averaged 13.1 points and 6.6 assists in his first season with the Cavs. That led to him signing a three-year $18.5 million extension in the summer of 2022. However, Rubio shocked the NBA world by announcing his retirement just one year into his new contract. Rubio and the Cavs agreed to a contract buyout, and the 33-year-old reportedly left $5.4 million on the table to ramp up his retirement. Rubio had over $12 million left on his contract and decided to give up a hefty sum in the buyout.

The veteran guard was more focused on prioritizing his mental health. He issued a heartfelt message while announcing his retirement, revealing that his mind went to a dark place last summer and he was still working on his mental health. Rubio also said that he is getting better each day. Rubio had a solid 12-year career in the NBA and will go down as one of the best Spanish players in league history.

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Read More: “Love You Mi Hermano”: Donovan Mitchell Tips His Hat to Ricky Rubio as Spanish Star Bids Farewell to NBA

Ricky Rubio had a special message for the Cleveland Cavaliers

Although Rubio and the Cleveland Cavaliers’ relationship had a bittersweet end, the 33-year-old had great things to say about his final home in the NBA. He appreciated the Cavs for having an amazing organization and being respectful and understanding of his situation. The Cleveland Cavaliers will always be Rubio’s final team in the NBA, and he was grateful for that. Rubio spent over two years in Cleveland and played a total of 67 games.

He averaged 9.2 points and 5.1 assists during his Cavs tenure. Apart from Cleveland, Rubio was also part of the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Utah Jazz, and the Phoenix Suns during his career. Even though we have seen the last of Rubio in the NBA, we might see him playing in Spain in the future.

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