The Cavaliers and point guard Ricky Rubio have begun to discuss a possible parting of ways, according to Joe Vardon and Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Rubio, 33, missed all of training camp and has not been with the team this season, citing mental health issues. Several sources have told Hoops Wire they believe Rubio would like to retire from the NBA and play professionally in Spain, though none of that has been confirmed.
Either way, the Cavs are in need of guards, particularly with Darius Garland slated to miss about another month or more with a broken jaw. As of now, Rubio continues to occupy a roster spot.
Rubio is making $6.1 million this season, with a partial guarantee of $4.25 million for next year. So in order for the sides to part ways, the Cavs would have to negotiate a buyout. Or as Vardon and Charania noted, Cleveland could also waive Rubio and stretch payments to him over a longer period.
There’s also the possibility that the Cavs could trade Rubio’s contract to a team that is looking to move salary and could then buy out the deal.
As of now, the Cavs want to remain sensitive to Rubio’s current situation and do right by him. But they also must do right by the company, and the company’s job is to win games. If the Cavs can accomplish both it could turn out to be best for everyone, both the person and the team.
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