Rubio To Stay In Spain For At Least Two Years

Multiple reports are saying point guard Ricky Rubio has been officially acquired by FC Barcelona from DKV Joventut, meaning Rubio will not be joining the Timberwolves this year.  According to the reports, Rubio signed a six-year contract with a “reasonably affordable” buyout option after the second year.

This news comes after Minnesota Timberwolves’ president David Kahn made three trips to Spain this summer to try and work something out with the 18-year-old, his agent and his former team.  The Timberwolves reportedly offered many sponsorship deals, with the team allowed to spend only $500,000 towards Rubio’s buyout.

To make things clear, the Timberwolves will hold the rights to Rubio while he plays in Spain (even if he plays all six years).  As long as Rubio is playing in a official league, defined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the team will continue to hold his rights.

If and when Rubio decides to come to the NBA, he will have a rookie status, and be paid accordingly to the league’s rookie wage scale.

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