Ricky Rubio appears to have already accepted that he won’t return to Utah Jazz

Based on recent comments, it appears that Ricky Rubio has a sense that he won’t be returning to the Utah Jazz for the 2019-20 season.

As valiant as the Utah Jazz’s effort has been the past few seasons as they’ve made the playoffs three years running, there’s no denying that they’re in need of changes if they are to get further into the postseason. One of their most pressing issues has undoubtedly been the non-shooting trio in their starting lineup of Ricky Rubio, Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert.

Gobert obviously isn’t going anywhere, but if the Jazz want to truly improve, they’re going to have to enhance one or both of the other two positions. Based on Dennis Lindsey’s overwhelmingly positive comments about Derrick Favors in end-of-year interviews and the fact that Rubio’s inconsistency and lack of shooting have been a constant frustration, it feels most likely that Ricky is the most probable of the two to not return in 2019-20.

And based on some of his recent comments, it feels as if Ricky Rubio has largely accepted the fact that he’s unlikely to return to the Jazz next season.

In a recent interview with Eurohoops he expressed his uncertainty on the offseason first and foremost by stating that there are ‘a thousand possibilities’ that could take place. His tone throughout indicated that he felt Utah was most likely to move on from him.

Perhaps most revealing was what he had to say about his feelings on the Jazz seeking to trade him at the deadline. Rubio stated–

"“Maybe they thought they had a “sticker” that expired in three months and they’d change it for another one that had three years of contract like Mike Conley. This makes you think. You don’t know if it’s because maybe you’re not playing well or if what they wanted was to make some change to improve. In the end, you can’t take it personally.”"

In all reality, Rubio wasn’t playing well and the Jazz were absolutely justified in looking to move him for a much more prolific Mike Conley. And though Rubio said you can’t take it personally, it certainly seems as though he did. When asked about his thoughts of returning to the Jazz, he said the following–

"“All that has affected me, without a doubt. If the question had been asked a year ago, I’d signed with them with my eyes closed. Now, from here to July, many things can happen.”"

In other words, it’s been quite apparent that Rubio has loved his time with the Jazz, and for good reason as he’s been incredible in the community and has fit well with his teammates despite some inconsistency. Prior to the trade drama, he would have gladly re-signed with the Jazz. Now, though, with Utah likely looking to move on and with him wanting to find a role where he can be a main figure (or a ‘protagonist’ as he called it), it’s far less likely that he’ll be back in Salt Lake City in 2019-20.

Honestly, I concur with the consensus that it’s time for the Jazz to move on from Ricky Rubio. He’s frustrated me countless times the past couple seasons. But he also had some bright moments, always played hard and is as quality of a person as you could ask for. In that regard, it’s hard to see him sad about potentially leaving a team and city that he’s come to love and it will be difficult if and when the Jazz do indeed replace him.

But if Utah wants to improve, risks have to be taken and sacrifices have to be made. Unfortunately in this instance, doing so will likely require a departure from Ricky Rubio as the starting point guard. And while it’s likely hard for him as well, it seems he already sees the writing on the wall and is beginning to look for his next chapter where he can hopefully be successful in a better opportunity.

I truly wish nothing but the best for Ricky regardless of where he ends up next season. He embodies the phrase, “Once a Jazzman, always a Jazzman” and he will long be loved in Utah. However, between Lindsey’s comments, reports that the Jazz are already back to pursuing Mike Conley and the fact that Utah simply has to improve its non-shooting trio, it feels virtually impossible that Rubio will be back next season.

And based on his recent comments, he likely knows that fact better than anyone.