Rubio to Stay in Europe

A Spanish newspaper is reporting that Ricky Rubio will play out the last two years of his contract with DKV Joventut. Rubio is also expected to drop his lawsuit against the team.

Because of the buyout clause, it would cost Rubio approximately eight million Euro to play in the NBA this season. NBA salary cap rules limit the amount his team can pay to $500,000 -- he'd be on the hook for the rest. By playing out the last two years of the deal, he has the chance to enter the NBA free and clear.

In 2011.

Of course, this could be a negotiating ploy. According to various reports, Rubio has zero interest in playig in Minnesota. He was willing to work a buyout to play for New York or in California, but not for the T-Wolves. Minnesota team president David Kahn has insisted he won't trade Rubio, but you have to wonder if he'll soften that stance now.