Veteran point guard Ricky Rubio announced his retirement from the NBA on Wednesday after 12 seasons.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Rubio and the Cleveland Cavaliers agreed to a contract buyout to bypass the two years left on his contract at just over $6 million per season.
Rubio spent the past two seasons with the Cavaliers, but he hasn’t played this year as he has been away from the team to focus on his mental health. In his statement, Rubio mentioned how much focusing on his mental health played a role in his retirement.
“One day, when the time is right, I would love to share my full experience with you all so I can help support others going through a similar situation,” Rubio said. “Until then, I would like to keep it private out of respect for my family and myself, as I’m still working on my mental health. But I’m proud to say I’m doing better and getting better every day.”
— Ricky Rubio (@rickyrubio9) January 4, 2024
Rubio was drafted fifth overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2009 at just 18 years old, but didn’t join the NBA until two years later. He ends his career also having played for the Utah Jazz and the Phoenix Suns, along with Minnesota and Cleveland, with an average of 10.8 points and 7.4 assists per game.
