Ricky Rubio, the prominent Spanish basketball player, stands out as one of the most notable European figures in the NBA, have a look at his career earnings, salary and contract
Throughout his remarkable career filled with achievements and lucrative contracts, Rubio faced a significant setback due to injuries.
Ricky Rubio career earnings, salary, Cleveland Cavaliers contract details and net worth in 2024
— Ricky Rubio (@rickyrubio9) January 4, 2024
Ultimately, his prioritization of mental health led to a contract buyout in early January 2024.
Rubio’s Basketball Journey
Rubio’s journey in basketball commenced at the age of 14 in October 2015 when he became the youngest player to grace the Spanish ACB League.
By the time he turned 16, he made his EuroLeague debut. His trajectory took a major leap in 2009 when the Minnesota Timberwolves selected him as the first 1990s-born player in the NBA draft’s first round.
However, before joining the NBA, Rubio spent two years playing for FC Barcelona, securing victories in the EuroLeague (2010) and Copa del Rey (2010 and 2011).
Representing the Timberwolves from the 2011 season until the 2016-17 season, Rubio later played for the Utah Jazz and the Phoenix Suns, followed by a return to the Timberwolves in the 2020-21 season.
Rubio Took Mental Health Break
In 2021, he joined the Cleveland Cavaliers, but injuries, including a torn ACL in December 2021, and subsequent trades to the Indiana Pacers disrupted his playing time.
Despite signing an $18 million three-year contract with the Cavaliers in 2022, Rubio’s career faced another hurdle when he took a mental health break in August 2023. This eventually led to his contract buyout and announcement of NBA retirement in January 2024.
Drafted by the Timberwolves as the fifth pick in the first round on June 25, 2009, Rubio initially expressed his unpreparedness for the NBA in 2019.
Rubio stated that, “The reason leading me to take this next step [continue in Spain] is to have a period of preparation to better take the challenge of the NBA in better conditions as a player. The Minnesota Timberwolves continue to be my first option and I wish to play with them in the near future.”
Earnings and Net Worth
Despite joining the Timberwolves in June 2011 and becoming the 10th Spanish player in the NBA, Rubio’s career trajectory involved various contracts, including a two-year $7 million deal initially and later extensions with the Timberwolves and the Jazz.
Current Dead Contracts
| YEAR | BASE SALARY | DEAD CAP HIT | YEARLY CASH | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 |  |
$6,146,342 | $6,146,342 | $6,146,342($6,146,342) |
| 2024-25 | |
$4,250,000 | $4,250,000 | $4,250,000($10,396,342) |
Career Earnings
| Year | Basic Salary | Sign Bonus Bonus | Incentives | Trade Bonus | Total Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011-12 | $2,801,072 | – | – | – | $2,801,072 |
| 2012-13 | $3,526,499 | – | – | – | $3,526,499 |
| 2013-14 | $3,678,358 | – | – | – | $3,678,358 |
| 2014-15 | $4,660,479 | – | – | – | $4,660,479 |
| 2015-16 | $12,700,000 | – | – | – | $12,700,000 |
| 2016-17 | $13,400,000 | – | $175,000 | – | $13,575,000 |
| 2017-18 | $14,100,000 | – | $175,000 | – | $14,275,000 |
| 2018-19 | $14,800,000 | – | $175,000 | – | $14,975,000 |
| 2019-20* | $15,187,500 | – | – | – | $15,187,500 |
| 2020-21 | $17,000,000 | – | – | – | $17,000,000 |
| 2021-22 | $6,444,828 | – | – | – | $6,444,828 |
| 2021-22 | $11,355,172 | – | – | – | $11,355,172 |
| 2022-23 | $5,853,659 | – | – | – | $5,853,659 |
| 2023-24 | $6,146,342 | – | – | – | $6,146,342 |
| 2024-25 | $6,439,025 | – | – | – | $6,439,025 |
Rubio’s career earnings, including the lucrative contract buyout with the Cavaliers, surpassed $135 million, contributing to an estimated net worth of around $8 million.
Beyond his NBA accomplishments, Rubio enjoyed a stellar international career, winning a gold medal at the 2019 World Cup, a bronze at the 2016 Olympics, and a silver at the 2008 Olympics.
Widely regarded as the best European guard prospect, Rubio’s impact on the basketball world is undeniably profound.