Cavaliers Re-Sign Familiar Face

The Cleveland Cavaliers raced off to an exciting start to the 2021-22 season, within range of the top seed in the East for a time. Then veteran backup point guard Ricky Rubio went down with a season-ending ACL tear in December. Despite the presence of All-Stars like Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland, the Cavs were never the same after that. 

Now, Rubio is back. Re-signed by the Cavaliers to a long-term deal.

Rubio played an immense role in the Cavaliers torrid start to the season a year ago before tearing his left ACL. Cleveland traded him to Indiana as an expiring contract at deadline, but both sides were hopeful a reunion could happen -- and now it will on a new multi-year deal. https://t.co/zny6YjZGWR

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

It's a 3-year, $18M contract for Rubio to return as Garland's backup. He adds a veteran presence that the young Cavs have in short supply.  

Rubio was averaging 13.1 points, 6.6 assists and 4.1 rebounds before he went down. The Cavs were 20-13 with Rubio in the lineup; they went 24-25 without him.

The one question mark is Rubio's return timeline. He's still recovering from the ACL surgery, and he might not be ready for the start of the season.

Photo Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports