From: John Krawczynski / Associated Press:
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)—The Minnesota Timberwolves cannot do much financially to help Ricky Rubio(notes) with a multimillion-dollar buyout of his contract with DKV Joventut in Spain.
So team president David Kahn is heading across the Atlantic to meet with the team personally in hopes of lowering the $6.6 million price tag that has threatened to keep the wunderkind point guard in Europe for at least next season.
Kahn confirmed his plans to travel to Spain in a text message to The Associated Press on Thursday, but declined further comment, including when the trip will take place. It was first reported by YahooSports.com.
Rubio, who was drafted fifth overall by the Timberwolves in June, is still under contract with Joventut for the next two seasons. After helping Spain to a silver medal at the Beijing Olympics and playing in the Spanish ACB since the tender age of 14, the 18-year-old is ready to test his skills in the NBA.
From Mark Wollemann / Star Tribune – On The Wolves:
Someone already posted this on the previous thread, but we’ll put it up here to give it a headline:
Adrian Wojnarowski at Yahoo Sports, citing unnamed sources, says Wolves basketball boss David Kahn is planning a trip to Spain to meet DKV Joventut officials about lowering the steep $6.6 million buyout clause in draft pick Ricky Rubio’s contract.
We’ll pop on here from time to time to add things to Jerry’s blog while he’s on vacation (and I’m sure Jerry will jump in from time to time as well).
The link is here.