Rubio Talks Free Agency, Midseason Trade Rumors
Apr 26, 2019, 3:39 PM | Updated: 5:25 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – It’s possible that the Utah Jazz will be looking to make some serious changes in the offseason, including at the point guard position.
Ricky Rubio, who played the point for Utah the last two seasons, knows he might be in a different uniform come next year.
When asked about what his plans are for his basketball future, Rubio’s answer was simple.
“I don’t have any idea where I’m going to go,” he said.
A better schedule and a clean bill of health are going to be key to a big offseason by Donovan Mitchell. https://t.co/AnYQCKTmQ4
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) April 25, 2019
He does know what he’s going to be looking for in free agency, however.
“One thing I’m going to look for, for sure is going to be the best situation for me with the coach and the team. I think it gets to a point that no matter what you have if you’re not happy, you can play basketball, but it’s not what I want, I want to be happy. I’m going to look for the best situation for me to perform and be happy,” said Rubio.
Dealing With Trade Rumors
At midseason of this past season, word got out that Rubio’s name was involved in trade talks. In his comments with the media during exit interviews, Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey confirmed that the rumors were true and were put out unethically by another team, though he did not name the team.
According to Rubio, it was hard to hear his name in trade talks.
Kyle Korver made it sound like he isn't sure if he'll return in his exit interview following Utah's playoff elimination. https://t.co/9YdAWofK0n
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) April 25, 2019
Yeah, I’m not going to lie. We’re persons and we have feelings when your name is out there in the media and you’re thinking ‘Man, is this going to be my last game here,” said Rubio.
The trade didn’t end up happening and Rubio finished the year in Utah.
Finishing Strong In Utah
Should he end up with another team for the 2019-20 season, he’s at peace with how he played in his final games with the Jazz.
“I gave it all, all I had,” said Rubio on his performance in the playoff series against Houston. “ I could have played better, yeah, but I’m finishing the season and who knows if I’m finishing here with everything I had. I’m proud about it.”
The NBA free agency period will begin on July 1 at 12:01 a.m. ET.
