Ricky Rubio Officially Signs With Phoenix Suns
Jul 9, 2019, 1:53 PM | Updated: 1:56 pm
(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
PHOENIX, Ariz. – It’s official, former Utah Jazz point guard Ricky Rubio has signed with the Phoenix Suns.
Reports say the deal is a three-year contract worth $51 million.
Rubio posted pictures of him signing his contract and holding up his new jersey with Suns general manager James Jones.
… Officially official đź–Š Really excited with this big challenge. Hello @Suns let’s have some fun. pic.twitter.com/4AohTjFFwd
— Ricky Rubio (@rickyrubio9) July 9, 2019
It was clear that Utah wouldn’t be bringing back Rubio after they acquired Mike Conley from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Kyle Korver, Jae Crowder, Grayson Allen, the 23rd pick in last Thursday’s NBA Draft and a future first round pick.
The Jazz thanked Rubio on Twitter for the time he has spent with the Jazz.
Ricky, forever ❤️@Suns — you got a good one. #OnceAJazzman pic.twitter.com/oYKRbQ1ZMV
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) July 9, 2019
… what a 2 years we had. Enjoyed every single day with you guys. 1st class organization. Best of luck. https://t.co/Zih2LUBmwP
— Ricky Rubio (@rickyrubio9) July 9, 2019
Jazz executive vice president of basketball operations Dennis Lindsey thanked Rubio for what he did for the Jazz, the community and the state of Utah.
“It’s hard, his heart and care factor for the community, his teammates, he was amazing. He has a great deal in Phoenix and he will lead their group well,” Lindsey said at the press conference that introduced Mike Conley and Bojan Bogdanovic.
Joe Ingles tweeted his appreciation for Rubio and the veteran point guard responded.
… you have entered the list of “favorites teammates ever” but most important one “real friends”. Thank you for everything. Keep being a role model. 🧩 #AutismAwarness https://t.co/BUjC5UHwjW
— Ricky Rubio (@rickyrubio9) July 9, 2019
When the reports surfaced when free agency began on June 30, Donovan Mitchell thanked Rubio.
So happy for Mi Hermano you deserve it brotha! Thank you for everything you’ve done for us and taught me these past two years and also being a better friend as well! Love bro @rickyrubio9 https://t.co/W305LV37ZL
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) June 30, 2019
During the off-season in 2017, Rubio was traded to the Jazz for a 2018 first round draft pick. He played 145 games in Utah and posted 12.9 points and 5.7 assists.