The Minnesota Timberwolves will not enjoy the presence of 2009 draft pick Ricky Rubio this season. The team in Spain which had his rights (DKV Joventut) traded them to FC Barcelona who offered a higher buyout then the Timberwolves could, under NBA rules. Throughout the whole negotiation process, it seemed that Rubio would be coming to the NBA this season until the last couple of days in negotiations with each party involved. It seems like Rubio had a change of heart and did not want to play in the NBA for another two years, when he would be 20 years of age. It is an interesting situation, but an example of the business side within the “higher-ups” in a major organization.

By: Adrian Gonzalez