Cavs, Ricky Rubio Reunion Very Well Could Be In Works

Things went so well between veteran point guard Ricky Rubio and the Cavaliers that it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Cavs were to want him back.

Apparently, they do.

According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, a source said a Cavs reunion with Rubio is “highly likely.”

Rubio, of course, was traded to the Pacers as part of the deal for shooting guard Caris LeVert. At the time, Rubio was out for the season with a torn ACL. He isn’t expected to be able to take the court until at least January. But he will be an unrestricted free agent in July, able to sign with anyone.

Along with Rubio, the Cavs are expected to have an interest in a number of able-bodied veterans to play behind the young backcourt of Darius Garland and Collin Sexton, as first reported by Hoops Wire. (Sexton suffered a knee injury of his own, by the way, and was sidelined after just 11 appearances.)

Possible other point guards on the Cavs’ radar:  Delon Wright (Hawks), Austin Rivers (Nuggets), Gary Payton II (Warriors), Tyus Jones (Grizzlies), Elfrid Payton (Suns), Raul Neto (Wizards) and Goran Dragic (Nets). All are free agents.

Speaking of free agents, one thing we can safely speculate on is the return of Rajon Rondo. And we can safely assume, as much as the Cavs appreciated his services, he won’t be back. The same may or may not be true of Brandon Goodwin.

Anyway, back to Rubio. He reportedly was about to get a contract extension from the Cavs before suffering the injury in late December. Before that, he averaged a career-high 13.1 points, with 6.6 assists and 39 percent shooting on 3-pointers.

But it was about more than just numbers. When things were getting a little wild, Rubio almost always got the offense in order. He often made the right play that led to a better play, resulting in a basket and an assist for someone else.

It was that second part that mostly impressed president of basketball operations Koby Altman, coach J.B. Bickerstaff and Rubio’s teammates. And why it would make sense for the Cavs to want Rubio back, even if he can’t play until the middle of the season.

Granted, there is a lot to consider here when it comes to Rubio. As good as a fit as he was, the dollars will need to make sense for both sides, as is always the case in these scenarios.

If all that can be worked out, then sure, Rubio with the Cavs a second time is a good idea. What’s not to like? It sure worked out the first time.