Ricky Rubio’s Contract Now Considered Cavs Trade Asset

Ricky Rubio, Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA Trade Rumors
NBA Analysis Network

The Cleveland Cavaliers suffered a huge blow when they lost veteran point guard Ricky Rubio to a torn ACL back on December 28th in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Rubio was a big part of the team’s surprising success this season and without him in the lineup, they have some huge shoes to fill as the NBA trade deadline approaches.

Rubio was a key cog of their second unit given his veteran leadership, passing ability and defense. Without him, the backcourt’s depth has been decimated as the Cavaliers were already playing without Collin Sexton, who injured his meniscus earlier in the season and will also miss the remainder of the campaign.

Given how well Rubio was playing, it was not surprising that the team was looking into keeping him long-term. Despite playing on an expiring deal, Cleveland had no intentions of trading him. Instead, they were hopeful that he would remain with the team beyond this season.

However, given the current circumstances surrounding the team, that stance may be changing. According to Marc Stein on his Substack, the Cavaliers may now use Rubio’s expiring contract as a way to bring in some help at the point guard position.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: What Will It Take For Cavaliers To Trade Collin Sexton?

Cleveland made one move already, acquiring Rajon Rondo from the Los Angeles Lakers. However, based on what Stein has shared, they sound like a team that will be looking to make even more moves.

The Cavaliers are said to be still looking for more playmaking even after the acquisition of Rajon Rondo from the Los Angeles Lakers and suddenly have Ricky Rubio’s $17 million expiring contract as a readily available trade centerpiece. The season-ending knee tear Rubio, 31, sustained on Dec. 28 brought a sad and abrupt halt to his Cleveland renaissance.

Could the injury to Rubio re-open the door to the Cleveland Cavaliers discussing trade proposals with the Philadelphia 76ers centered around Ben Simmons? Cleveland was one of the teams that were showing interest in Simmons before the season, as he and Darius Garland showed some interest in teaming up together.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: What Will It Take For Cavaliers To Trade Collin Sexton?

While acquiring Simmons may ultimately be too rich for Cleveland’s blood, they will certainly be scouring the market for some help in the backcourt. Ricky Rubio’s relatively big expiring contract will make building a trade package easier, as he can help match salary for higher-priced players in trade negotiations.

Paul George Being Monitored By Eastern Conference Teams

The Los Angeles Clippers are a team that many people are going to be keeping an eye on in the coming weeks as we approach

LeVert and Allen Lead Cavs to 108-103 Victory Over Pacers Amid Playoff Push

The Cleveland Cavaliers, despite missing several key players, secured a hard-fought 108-103 victory over the Indiana Pacers during Monday’s NBA action, keeping their aspirations for

Marcus Morris Sr. Embraces Cavs Role Despite No Assurances

Marcus Morris Sr.’s recent transition to the Cleveland Cavaliers marks an optimistic chapter in his NBA journey. After parting ways with the San Antonio Spurs