Sergio

Llull

Llull has long been considered one of Europe’s top players, and one of the best players never to appear in the NBA. The Knicks acquired the rights Llull back in November, and there was some hope among Knicks fans that Leon Rose could convince the Real Madrid legend to relocate to New York for a year or two.

Long considered one of the best non-NBA players on the planet, Llull has said in the past that he would like to retire with Real Madrid. However, that certainly hasn’t stopped the Rockets, who own his NBA rights, from trying to convince him to try to give the NBA a whirl. “Since he was drafted, every summer the Rockets have tried to sign Sergio Llull. It happens each summer, they never gave up” Ernest Berenguer, Llull’s agent, told NBA Spain. “Future? We will consider everything. Sergio lives day-by-day. Every year that passes, the possibility for him to go to the Rockets are less likely. But he never completely ruled out the possibility to join the NBA.”

“Would I like to retire with Real Madrid? Of course, I would like that. I have a long contract yet now I’m focused on having a great season,” Llull said. “Of course it’s hard to say no because the NBA is very tempting on all levels. But I’ve explained many times that I’m happy here with Real Madrid. I want to stay here and keep winning.” It sounds like the 30-year-old Spanish sharpshooter will finish his career in Europe.

The Rockets bought Llull’s rights for $2.25 million in 2009, a steep price for a second-round draft pick, and so far they have nothing to show for the investment. Llull is 24 years old, however, and there’s a chance he could join Houston in his prime for the 2014-15 season.

Llull, whose draft rights are held by the Rockets, obviously won’t be coming to Houston at any point in the foreseeable future.

Teammate Jose Calderon didn’t even play, as Spain divvied up their point guard minutes between Sergio Rodriguez (10 points, seven assists) and Sergio Llull (nine points, three assists). Rubio didn’t score double-digit points in a game during Spain’s silver-medal run in 2008, and it looks like he’ll be marginalized again this summer.

The Real Madrid legend signed a contract with his team through the 2021 season, but his buyout is reportedly pretty “manageable.” Marc Stein of ESPN said the Rockets would need to promise a significant role and a “pile of money” to convince Llull to come to the states, and he expects the two sides to start talking again next July.

This news will disappoint plenty of NBA GM’s, as Llull is regarded as arguably the best player in Europe. “NBA is tempting me but I am happy here and this is the place where I want to be and win titles,” Llull told Onda Cero. “I don’t know what will happen in the future but I have signed a six-year contract extension and I won’t leave this summer.” Llull was originally drafted by the Nuggets and traded to the Rockets back in 2009.

Llull was initially drafted in 2009 but he’s opted to remain overseas, and a few years ago he signed a long-term extension to stay with Real Madrid through 2021. Houston has expressed interest in him in the past, but with Chris Paul and James Harden dominating the ball he was an unlikely near-term fit.

He is a combo guard and is under contract until 2018. Expect the Rockets to try again next summer.