Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio’s transition to the NBA has hit a snag due to his drop in this year’s draft.

Rubio, however, is only considering playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves or returning to his European club, DKV Joventut.

Had Rubio been picked in the top three this year, he could have easily been able to buy his way out of his Joventut contract, said an insider to the situation. But the drop in salary between the third and fifth pick on the rookie wage scale is approximately US$600,000 a year.

Joventut is allegedly asking for US$4 million for his buyout.

Playing for another European team would not be feasible as the team signing Rubio would want a long-term commitment from the Spaniard, while Rubio wants to start his NBA career now.

The question for Rubio now is, whether he wants to start next season in Minnesota or wait for his Joventut contract to expire two years from now.

Contrary to popular belief, Rubio has not objections to playing in Minnesota.

"This isn't about Minnesota," a source said. "It's about the buyout."

Although the Wolves drafted another point guard in Syracuse's Jonny Flynn on June 25, the same source said Minnesota is dedicated to having Rubio on the team next season.