By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Registering Ricky Rubio before the deadline to add players to Turkish Airlines EuroLeague squads was among the hurdles for FC Barcelona.
The Catalonia powerhouse inked the experienced point guard to a contract until the end of the 2023-24 season and will add him to the EuroLeague roster, according to MARCA. Over recent days, multiple Spanish outlets reported on involved parties nearing such a deal.
Rubio, 33, has not committed to playing for Barca. However, signing with his former team beyond the deadline on Wednesday would prevent him from potentially appearing in Europe’s premier club continental competition this season. Similar to before penning the contract, the player will decide if he will suit up.
Both Barcelona and Rubio can opt out of the contract without issues, as noted in the latest update on the Spanish floor general recovering from mental health issues and resuming his career.
After parting ways with the Cleveland Cavaliers and concluding his spell in the NBA, practicing with Barcelona signaled a possible comeback. Rubio last played in the 2023 NBA Playoffs. Stepping away from the courts to focus on his mental health included missing the opportunity to represent Spain in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
After being selected with the fifth overall pick of the 2009 NBA draft, the Spanish point guard spent two years at Barca and was crowned EuroLeague champion in 2010. In 2011, he switched to the Minnesota Timberwolves launching a run of 712 appearances in the league based in North America.