Despite the tremendous amount of hype around Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio, it does not look like the NBA audience will get to see him in action any time soon. So far, the main problem has been the $6 million buy-out to get Rubio out of his current contract with Euroleague powerhouse DKV Joventud Badalona. Thus, even though the Minnesota Timberwolves drafted Rubio with their fifth overall pick at this year’s NBA draft in June, they were unable to reach terms with the promising young Spaniard.

Due to NBA regulations the franchise is not allowed to pay more than $500000 for a buy-out of a foreign contract. Therefore, Rubio’s agent Dan Feagan has been exploring other funding options to get his client to the NBA. According to rumors around the league, the Timberwolves’ front office has been working on endorsements to increase his rookie salary as well as offering exhibition matches in Europe to resolve the situation. Likewise, the possibility of a trade to the New York Knicks has been mentioned various times. Obviously, a big market such as New York would have offered endless marketing options for a potential NBA star, but things turned out differently.

Unfortunately for the struggling Timberwolves Rubio decided to stay in Europe as he opted to sign a six-year deal with FC Barcelona. More specifically, the Catalans will pay his $6 million buy-out and are expected to pay roughly $10 million for the services of Rubio’s playmaking abilities over the next years. However, his contract will include an affordable buyout option in 2011 that Rubio will most likely exercise in order to move on to the NBA. Last year, Ricky Rubio averaged 9.8 points, 5.8 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 2.2 steals in the Spanish ACB league. Likewise, he showed a lot of potential in the 2008 Olympics putting up 4.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists in eight appearances.

You can watch all games of the Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks right here on www.watchlivenba.com, the home of live NBA streaming.