After stepping away from the Cavaliers to work on his mental health in August, veteran guard Ricky Rubio announced his retirement from the NBA on Thursday.
The 33-year-old took to X to announce the news and explained how that time in August was “one of the toughest nights” of his life, but added that he has improved.
“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 similar situations,” 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,” Rubio wrote. “But I’m proud to say I’m doing much better and getting better everyday.”
Rubio’s contract with Cleveland wasn’t yet finished, but he and the franchise came to an arrangement.
“Sources told ESPN on Thursday that Rubio and the Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed on a contract buyout,” ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said. “The move, which covers the $6.1 million left on this year’s contract and $6.4 million for 2024-25, gives the Cavaliers some financial relief and opens up a second spot on the team’s roster.”
The guard expressed his gratitude to all the teams he played for in the league during his time – the Timberwolves, Jazz, Suns and Cavaliers and showed extra love to his final team.
“My last home,” Rubio wrote. “I know the way things ended have been tough. I could never have imagined the year would develop this way, but you have an amazing organization, with [president of basketball operations] Koby [Altman] and [coach] JB [Bickerstaff], who have been extremely respectful and understanding of my situation and caring for me as a person.”
Rubio played with much pride for his home country Spain during the Olympics and FIBA World Cup, beside players like Pau Gasol, Marc Gasol and Rudy Fernández.
He won a silver medal at the 2008 Olympics, a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics, a gold medal at the 2019 FIBA World Cup and four EuroBasket medals.
Before he was drafted fifth overall by Minnesota in 2005, Rubio played in Spain’s ACB League at just 14 years old, making him the youngest player to ever.
He also debuted in the EuroLeague just after his 16th birthday.
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