Don’t ask Ricky Rubio about his contract situation. The Timberwolves point guard will become a restricted free agent next summer unless he and the Wolves reach a deal by Oct. 31.
Rubio kicked off his fourth NBA season at midnight Tuesday as the Wolves played the role of an entertainer in a midnight madness setting on the campus of Minnesota State University, Mankato. The Wolves called it “Dunks after Dark,” the team’s official start of training camp.
“I don’t want to talk to the media about my contract situation,” Rubio said, according to CBS. “I think it bothers me on the basketball court, so I don’t want to talk to the media about it. My agent’s dealing with Flip and Glen and that’s it.”
According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, Rubio and the Wolves hope to agree to terms before the Halloween deadline.
Ricky Rubio and the Wolves seem like they will make a deal before the October 31 deadline… there is a desire by both to make a deal.
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) September 29, 2014
How much money does Rubio want? Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press reports Rubio is seeking a maximum contract that would pay him $75 million over five years. But the Wolves are willing to allow Rubio to become a restricted free agent if he’s not willing to sign a lesser, four-year deal.
Rubio’s contract situation has been the talk of the team since the buzz of Kevin Love leaving wore off. The big question going forward is whether he’ll be leading the team for one year, or multiple years.
Gear up. First day of training camp. Can't believe this will be my 4th season in the NBA already. #EyesOnTheRise #RR pic.twitter.com/uiLzVHmS8T
— Ricky Rubio (@rickyrubio9) September 29, 2014
