Conflicting Reports on Raptors’ Recent Acquisition

It is possible that Sasha Vezenkov will not go to Europe after all.

According to Michael Grange of Sportsnet, the Toronto Raptors reportedly plan to keep Vezenkow despite reports that the 28-year-old will move to Greece next season.

So, according to insiders, the reports that Sasha Vezenkov is leaving the NBA to play in Greece are… false. The former King has one year left on his NBA contract, the Raptors control his rights, and have no intention of waiving him and don’t expect him to be in training camp. Continue.

— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) June 29, 2024

Toronto acquired Vezenkow on Thursday afternoon as part of a deal with the Sacramento Kings in which the Raptors sent Jalen McDaniels to the Kings in exchange for Vezenkow, Davion Mitchell, the 2024 second-round draft pick that Toronto used to select Jamal Shead, and a pick in 2025 second-round draft pick from the Portland Trail Blazers.

There have been multiple reports out of Europe suggesting that Vezenkov plans to leave the NBA after his rookie season with the Kings. He failed to find a role, averaging just 5.4 points and 2.3 rebounds per game while shooting 37.5% from the floor in 42 games last season.

According to Alessandro Luigi Maggi of Sportando, Vezenkov was close to signing a four-year contract with Olympiakos. The Raptors would have to release Vezenkov to facilitate his return to Greece, and the organization has no plans to do so, Grange reported.

The 6-foot-1 Vezenkov is scheduled to make $6.7 million this season and has a $7 million team option next season. If he stays in Toronto, he could potentially secure a spot for the Raptors as a three-point shooter off the bench.

With Vezenkov under contract for next season, Toronto will have a little less than the full mid-level exception to use in free agency this offseason. The lack of cap space in the organization below the luxury tax threshold likely means Gary Trent Jr. won’t be returning to the club.