The Cleveland Cavaliers are bringing Ricky Rubio back on a reported long-term deal. That signing will be done via part of the Cavs Mid-Level Exception, as opposed to being part of a sign-and-trade with the Indiana Pacers.
Cleveland dealt Rubio to Indiana at the trade deadline, along with a first-round pick, for Caris LeVert. In recent days, the two teams had linked up to look at possible sign-and-trade moves, but were unable to find a workable deal. Because Rubio’s contract expired, as opposed to him being waived by the Pacers, he avoids the one-year re-signing restriction and is eligible to re-sign with the Cavaliers.
Rubio played well for the Cavs before tearing his ACL in late-December. The veteran point guard is expected to miss the first part of the season while rehabbing from the injury. When healthy, Cleveland likes Rubio’s steady hand guiding the offense when All-Star Darius Garland is out of the game.