Ricky Rubio Thanks Jazz Fans On Twitter
Jun 20, 2019, 10:39 AM
(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – After the reports surfaced of the Utah Jazz acquiring Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley Jr., the two-year Jazz point guard tweeted his appreciation to Utah and the Jazz fans.
The trade will make it official that Rubio will not return to the Jazz since he is a free agent.
Rubio told a radio station in Spain that the Jazz told him that he is not a free agent priority for the team.
… thank you Utah pic.twitter.com/CVTFiSuHHV
— Ricky Rubio (@rickyrubio9) June 20, 2019
It’s unfortunate for Jazz fans that Rubio won’t be back because he truly enjoyed being in Utah for the last two seasons. He made leaps in his career by playing in the postseason for the first time in his NBA career while in a Jazz uniform.
MORE:
- Ricky Rubio Not Free Agent Priority For Jazz
- Rubio Speaks On NBA Free Agency, Lists Boston As Possibility
- Reports: Jazz Acquire Mike Conley; Send Korver, Crowder, Allen To Memphis
- What Utah Is Losing In Mike Conley Trade
- Jazz Players Welcome Mike Conley To Salt Lake City
- Jazz Fans Have Mixed Feelings After Mike Conley Trade
- Donovan Mitchell: ‘Conley Very Underrated Player’
- Jensen: Mike Conley Trade Makes Jazz Instant Postseason Contender
The Jazz sent Kyle Korver, Jae Crowder, Grayson Allen, the 23rd pick in Thursday’s NBA Draft and a future first round pick in exchange for Conley.
Before the trade deadline in February, Rubio expressed how much he wanted to stay in Salt Lake City and play for the Jazz. He was then in reports at the deadline to be dealt to Memphis for Conley but the trade never happened. After the season, Rubio mentioned his disappointment that the Jazz wanted to deal him to another team.
While Rubio is a good basketball player and an even better person, the Jazz needed to upgrade the point guard position in order to take the next step and become a contender in the Western Conference.
… it’s time to just be happy. Being angry, sad and overthinking isn’t worth it anymore. Just let things flow. Be positive
— Ricky Rubio (@rickyrubio9) June 19, 2019
Rubio spent the first six seasons of his NBA career with the Minnesota Timberwolves after being drafted as the fifth overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. During those six years, he averaged 10.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.
During the off-season in 2017, Rubio was traded to the Jazz for a 2018 first round draft pick. He played 145 games in Utah and posted 12.9 points and 5.7 assists.
Rubio could be heading to Boston after reports have indicated that Kyrie Irving is leaving the team in free agency. He also could sign and thrive with teams that are rebuilding and need a good floor general.