Panathinaikos is moving full steam ahead with its planning for the 2026-27 season, and its top priority remains signing a playmaker. The “Greens” have extended Juancho Hernangómez’s contract through 2030 and are looking for the player who will “complete” their backcourt. Ideally, this player would also be able to contribute offensively, something the “clover” will be missing following Osman’s departure.

One of the names mentioned in connection with the seven-time European champions was that of Ricky Rubio. The Spaniard remains among the elite despite being 35 years old, and during the 2025–26 season, he was making his mark on the courts of the BCL and Liga Endesa, playing for Badalona. The newspaper “AS,” however, reports that the former international star turned down Panathinaikos!

In fact, the Madrid-based outlet clarifies that Rubio received a call specifically from Željko Obradović and told the legendary Serbian coach that he feels comfortable in his home country. He has absolutely no intention of leaving Badalona.

It is worth noting that the article in question reports that Panathinaikos offered the former NBA player a contract worth 900,000 euros. That is considerably more money than the veteran guard currently earns in Spain. Despite the potential difference in his earnings, money does not seem to be a concern for Rubio, who has faced serious mental health issues in the past and, by all accounts, he wants to retire playing basketball in his hometown.

He turns 36 on October 21, and during the 2025–26 season, he averaged 13.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists in the BCL, while in domestic play for Badalona, he averaged 13.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. 

*photo source: Club Joventut Badalona