Where Minnesota Timberwolves top draft pick Ricky Rubio will play Basketball this season is uncertain, but it probably won't be for his current Spanish team.
DKV Joventut president Jordi Villacampa seemingly closed the door on that possibility over the weekend, when he released a statement to the media that read in part: "It is obvious that his career as a player in our club has ended." El Mundo Deportivo reported that the Rubio family was "surprised" by the statement and wants a solution "as quickly as possible."
The newspaper speculated that could clear the way for Rubio to sign with Regal FC Barcelona, his hometown team, perhaps this week.
Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor said Friday that he isn't worried about such reports because the team has been in direct contact with the Rubio family.
"His comments (to us) have been that he wants to come here," Taylor said. "He has no conditions. He would just like to get his buyout resolved so he can afford to come here. You know, he wants to play. He just wants to play."
Rubio has two years remaining on his contract with DKV Joventut and has been trying to get his $6.6 million buyout reduced.
Under NBA rules, the Wolves can contribute no more than $500,000 to the buyout.
According to Spanish media reports, Rubio turned down offers last week from Real Madrid and Olympiacos that were superior to Regal FC Barcelona's bid.
His mother told El Mundo Deportivo that he wants to go to the NBA within two years, but "wants to be close" to home if he does stay in Europe.
