Ricky Rubio's anticipated arrival in Minnesota has been one never-ending, confounding soap opera since the night the Timberwolves drafted him fifth overall nearly two years ago. It could be almost over, but if he finally does leave his lovely hometown of Barcelona for the NBA, it, too, probably won't come quickly enough for Wolves fans.
Here's how it will -- or will not -- happen:
What: The NBA's current labor agreement includes a provision that, from Feb. 1 to May 31, allows a first-round draft pick playing elsewhere professionally "to enter into a rookie-scale contract" with his NBA team that begins the next season. By the way, May 31 is Tuesday.
What that means: Rubio by Tuesday can agree to terms with the Wolves on a future contract that would guarantee him the terms for a No. 5 overall pick under the league's current labor agreement.
Why he'd sign now: Two reasons...
No. 1: It will guarantee him a first-year salary approaching $3.5 million under the current rules. If he passes on that, he could conceivably lose millions in a new labor agreement in which owners are demanding big give-backs from the players.
No. 2: His career has not progressed in the two seasons since he turned down a chance to join the Wolves in the summer of 2009 and forced a transfer from his DKV Joventut team to Regal Barcelona in the Spanish league. If anything, it has regressed: A foot injury moved him to the bench for the current Spanish league playoffs in which, even with his foot better, he is still playing behind 27-year-old Victor Sada. Rubio averaged 6.5 points on 39.2 percent shooting, 3.5 assists and 3.2 rebounds this season in 20 Euroleague games, 17 of which he started. There's a chance Barcelona could transfer him to another European team next season if he doesn't leave for the NBA.
Why he wouldn't sign: Other reasons...