(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Ricky Rubio is no longer in the NBA but the Cleveland Cavaliers are still paying him.
The Cavaliers owed Rubio $1.27 million even though he was retired but they have thought of a way to make that amount hurt them less.
According to Bobby Marks, Cleveland has stretched that payday over the next three seasons.
That means they will have to pay less than $500,000 a year, which will help them make other roster changes while not going above the league luxury tax.
Cleveland stretched the $1.27M owed to Ricky Rubio this season over the next 3 seasons.
The $424,672 cap hit this season gives Cleveland more flexibility below the luxury tax.
Under the 2023 CBA, Cleveland was allowed to stretch his current cap hit prior to 8/31.
Rubio was…
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) September 3, 2024
Rubio played only 67 games across two years with the Cavaliers before ultimately retiring earlier this season.
He averaged 9.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists during that time.
Although he helped the squad in many ways, he was also valued as a mentor for some of the young stars rising through the ranks, such as Darius Garland.
Rubio eventually stepped away from the league so he could focus on mental health issues and spend time with his family.
Because of this payment arrangement, the Cavaliers’ current payroll stands at just under $160 million.
This move will help them stay below the luxury tax, which can be quite expensive, especially for a team looking to make big moves in the future.
Cleveland didn’t make many adjustments this summer, but they are committed to multiple large names on their roster, which will cost them quite a bit in the years ahead.
The money they are saving with this Rubio deal isn’t a whole lot, but it’ll give them a bit of assistance.
Rubio helped out the team many times during his time with the Cavaliers and this final arrangement with his payments will help them one last time.
The post Cavs Make Contract Move With Ricky Rubio To Help Flexibility appeared first on The Cold Wire.