Faced with a huge buyout, Timberwolves G Ricky Rubio could soften blow with endorsements

October 7th, 2009 Ricky Rubio talked up by NBA rivals in waitingMADRID — The NBA's quick swing through Spain didn't yield Ricky Rubio, although it did provide plenty of anticipation for one of Europe's biggest talents. The Spaniard's decision to play at least two more years at home despite being drafted fifth overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in June had left many in North America puzzled.

September 15th, 2009 Sessions to fill Rubio's shoes in MinnesotaMINNEAPOLIS — When Ricky Rubio told the Minnesota Timberwolves he was planning on staying in Spain for at least the next two years, word quickly spread to restricted free agent Ramon Sessions. His agent, James Wells, called Sessions and told his client they should consider contacting Minnesota to see if there was any interest in bringing the 23-year-old point guard in as a replacement.

September 4th, 2009 Source: Timberwolves sign Ramon SessionsMINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves have signed restricted free agent point guard Ramon Sessions to an offer sheet, a person close to the deal says. The person told The Associated Press about Friday's signing on condition of anonymity because it has not been officially announced.

September 2nd, 2009 Rubio: NBA move too risky, complicatedBARCELONA, Spain — Ricky Rubio wants to keep playing basketball in Spain, saying a move to the Minnesota Timberwolves would be too risky and complicate his life. The 19-year-old point guard was sent from DKV Joventut to Barcelona on Tuesday after the Catalan club paid Rubio's $5 million buyout clause.

September 2nd, 2009 Rubio says NBA move was too risky and complicatedBARCELONA, Spain — Ricky Rubio preferred to keep playing basketball in Spain because joining the Minnesota Timberwolves was a risky move that would complicate his life. The 19-year-old point guard was sent from DKV Joventut to Barcelona on Tuesday after the Catalan club paid Rubio's $5 million buyout.

September 1st, 2009 T'Wolves say Rubio backed out of chance to playMINNEAPOLIS — After saying all summer long that his preference was to play in the NBA, Ricky Rubio apparently got a case of cold feet at the last minute. Less than 48 hours after the Timberwolves, Rubio's agents and the Spanish team DKV Joventut agreed in principle on a deal to bring the 18-year-old point guard to Minnesota, Rubio changed his mind.

September 1st, 2009 Kahn: Rubio backed out of coming to MN this yearMINNEAPOLIS — Timberwolves president David Kahn says Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio has backed out of a deal to play in Minnesota this season. Kahn says the Wolves negotiated a deal on Saturday night with Rubio's Spanish pro team and agent Dan Fegan to bring the 18-year-old to Minnesota this fall.

August 11th, 2009 Kahn: Rubio's buyout 'still very problematic'MINNEAPOLIS —Minnesota Timberwolves president David Kahn said point guard Ricky Rubio's buyout situation is "still very problematic" and he remains unsure of when the fifth overall pick will come to the United States. Rubio has two years remaining on his contract with DKV Joventut Badalona, his professional team in Spain, and has yet to be able to negotiate down a buyout number that is at least $6.6 million.

August 7th, 2009 Wolves nearing end of coach searchMINNEAPOLIS — The three finalists for the Minnesota Timberwolves coaching vacancy have three distinctly different resumes. Timberwolves president David Kahn is in the process of deciding between Lakers assistant Kurt Rambis, ESPN analyst Mark Jackson and Houston assistant Elston Turner.

July 22nd, 2009 Timberwolves pick Rubio to leave Spanish clubGERONA, Spain — Ricky Rubio plans to part ways with Spanish basketball club DKV Joventut even if the Minnesota Timberwolves cannot reach a deal to bring their first round draft pick to the NBA. Timberwolves president David Kahn was in Spain this week to try and help the fifth overall pick negotiate a buyout of his contract with Joventut.

July 16th, 2009 Kahn plans trip to Spain to discuss Rubio buyoutMINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves cannot do much financially to help Ricky Rubio with a multimillion-dollar buyout of his contract with DKV Joventut in Spain. So team president David Kahn is heading across the Atlantic to meet with the team personally in hopes of lowering the $6.6 million price tag that has threatened to keep the wunderkind point guard in Europe for at least next season.

June 30th, 2009 Timberwolves waiting on RubioMINNEAPOLIS — While NBA executives across the league try to pry Spanish sensation Ricky Rubio away from the Timberwolves, team president David Kahn is in no hurry to deal. One of the biggest reasons many believe Rubio is available is also the biggest reason why Kahn can wait.

June 27th, 2009 Rubio does not attend Wolves press conferenceMINNEAPOLIS — Ricky Rubio was not present when the Minnesota Timberwolves introduced their 2009 draft class on Friday. Sixth overall pick Jonny Flynn and 28th pick Wayne Ellington attended with new president David Kahn.

June 26th, 2009 Wolves to trade G LawsonMINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves say they will trade North Carolina guard Ty Lawson after making him the 18th pick in the NBA draft. A Timberwolves spokesman would not discuss the trade because it had not been announced Thursday night.

June 23rd, 2009 Timberwolves host final workoutMINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves played host to their final group of draft prospects on Tuesday. Now new president David Kahn is preparing for what he expects to be 48 hours of trade chatter heading into the draft.