Time is running out for the Minnesota Timberwolves if they want to bring their 2009 NBA 
draftee Ricky Rubio to the squad next season.
According to usatoday.com, today is the last day Rubio can sign with Minnesota under the existing rookie pay scale:
Under the current collective bargaining agreement, Tuesday was the last day Rubio could sign a contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves and ensure that his deal will be under the existing rookie wage scale.
If the Spanish point guard does not sign a contract with the Wolves by the end of business on Tuesday, he will not be able to sign until the beginning of the new fiscal league year. With labor unrest plaguing the league, it is not certain when that new year will begin and what the new rules will be when the NBA resumes.
A Timberwolves spokesman says it is unlikely the team will comment on Rubio before his European season ends sometime in June.
Recently, Rubio has not really been lighting it up on the court overseas for his current team and Minnesota was at least optimistic Rubio would finally make the jump to the NBA:
According to sources the Timberwolves are as optimistic as they’ve ever been that Rubio will be joining them for the 2011-2012 season. Signing Rubio this offseason has been Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations David Kahn’s plan for over a year and he’s on the verge of seeing it through. Nothing is signed or finalized yet, but it should be in the coming weeks.
Should time expire on the Timberwolves and Rubio, who knows when this highly touted player from Spain will ever come to the NBA. Add the fact the CBA is in flux and there may be a lockout next season, looks like Minnesota fans will have to wait a little while longer.
At this point for Minnesota, is it worth even holding your breath anymore?
(photo: daylife.com)
