Rubio Coming in for Workout?

by Tommy Dee on June 22nd, 2009 at 9:08 am

Via Berman:

“…The Knicks have not given up hope on Ricky Rubio and are still trying to interview the 18-year-old Spanish point guard phenom this week before Thursday’s NBA Draft, according to a source. Rubio will be in New York for the draft but hasn’t worked out for teams.

Rubio visited Sacramento, but did not work out.

Rumors are circulating that Rubio could fall because of the complexity of his $6 million buyout and the Kings are no lock to take him at No. 4. Rubio has sued his Spanish club and a court hearing is scheduled for tomorrow. A Spanish source said he would not be surprised if Rubio starts the preseason in Spain.

If the Kings pass, Rubio, some people in the league predict, could fall as low as eight to the Knicks, who are trying to trade up for Stephen Curry or the Spaniard.

I’ve told you all along that I feel Rubio is the target and that they both seem to be on a collision course. I still think the Knicks will move up as Rubio won’t last till 8 based on a report from the Sac Bee that Rubio’s buyout has been reduced.

“…The thought of drafting Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio may have become less risky to NBA teams.

The $6.6 million buyout of Rubio’s contract with his current team, DKV Joventut, was reduced on Sunday, according to a source close to the guard.

The source claims that the agreement was reduced to an amount where Rubio “knows he’ll be able to make the payments.”

If the rumors are true, it clears a major obstacle for teams in position to draft Rubio on Thursday night. It’s possible that he’d be able to join whatever team drafts him by the time summer league play starts if the buyout has in fact been reduced…”
  • charlie

    Wait…why would Rubio have to make the payments? And, if that is the case, why would NBA teams be concerned with the buyout amount? (Obviously other than to worry that Rubio might might not sign due to the buyout being too large for him to pay personally and a team might waste a draft pick.)

    I was under the impression that the team that drafted him did so knowing that they would be on the hook for the buyout (like a posting fee).

    I guess it makes sense to hang the buyout on Rubio since it’s his gain financially to leave for the NBA.

    Interesting to see how the court appearance goes and whether the report from the Sac Bee is accurate.

  • BiggieSmalls

    the NBA team can only chip in 500K towards the buyout.

    The rest has to come from the player. Which is why being n a market where they can get endorsement contracts and early PT is so important

  • bmathews77

    I’d call it a good move for Ricky Rubio to come in for a workout for the Knicks. If the Knicks like what they see in him it may make them really want to move up in the draft to snag him. Not to mention he hasn’t worked out for any NBA team, it would basically be like saying pleaseeeeeeeee draft me.

  • 36 Years

    Could the Knicks bringing Rubio in for a workout mean that they’ve had discussions with, say, the Grizzlies, and at least agreed to the broad parameters of a deal, and since they’re somewhat close, want to see him to confirm that he’s worth giving up what the Grizzlies are demanding?

  • illsun

    DUH.. everybody knows the nba team is onyl allowed to pay up to 500K for a buyout.
    The rest comes out of the players pocket.
    That is why Rubio can be selevctive with who drafts him. He is shelling out way more than he will be receving annually in order to play in the NBA.

  • J-Knick

    Rubio is a superstar in Spain and can still arbitrate between playing for the Grizzlies with a rookie contract or playing in his homecountry for a 3M€/y contract.

    The size of the buyout wont change this : Rubio is already a star and can choose where he wants to play

  • paulempson

    I love it….. The buyout will be affordable for Ricky to pay

    Thats just great . Move to some small market , crappy city with a long wait to a shot at making the playoffs and just be able to pay your debt overseas.

    I’m sold.

  • paulempson

    Boy Ricky is going to love the USA fastfood .

    Honestly, does anyone buy this stuff?