Rubio Speaks On NBA Free Agency, Lists Boston As Possibility

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – NBA free agent Ricky Rubio recently discussed his upcoming free agency plans and approach to a Spanish news outlet.

Rubio spent the last two seasons as a member of the Utah Jazz and will enter this summer’s free agency period as an unrestricted free agent.

Speaking to AS, one of the primary news sources in Spain, Rubio stated that his primary goal is to be an important player on a championship caliber team.

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— Salt Lake City Summer League (@SLCSummerLeague) May 15, 2019

As for where he’ll play, he’s not really sure. It’ll largely be up to what kind of spots are open on strong teams. One possibility he listed was Boston, who will likely move on from their point guard, Kyrie Irving.

“There are a thousand possibilities, excluding the teams that have a starting point guard under contract who will remain there. Like Houston or Golden State. Then there’s Boston where you still don’t know if Kyrie Irving will be there. Or Charlotte with Kemba Walker. Things really don’t depend on you but on the other players,” said Rubio, in Spanish.

Thoughts On Utah

For months, Rubio’s playing future has been up in the air. It was widely reported and rumored that Rubio’s name was involved in trade discussions during the season, a rumor that was confirmed by Jazz executive vice president of basketball operations Dennis Lindsey.

Rubio admitted that he was affected by the rumors and the reality of the situation, Rubio told AS that ultimately he understood Utah’s position.

The Utah Jazz announced today the front office promotions of Dennis Lindsey to executive vice president of basketball operations and Justin Zanik to general manager.

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— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) May 10, 2019

“If you analyze it as a business, which is what it is, I can understand it because in June I become a free agent and they had nothing in return. Maybe they thought they had a “sticker” that expired in three months and they’d change it for another one that had three years of contract like Mike Conley,” said Rubio. “This makes you think. You don’t know if it’s because maybe you’re not playing well or if what they wanted was to make some change to improve. In the end, you can’t take it personally.”

As for whether he’d re-sign with the Jazz if they came knocking, Rubio isn’t certain.

“All that has affected me, without a doubt. If the question had been asked a year ago, I’d signed with them with my eyes closed. Now, from here to July, many things can happen,” said Rubio.