Conflicting reports about the recent takeover of the Raptors

Perhaps Sasha Vezenkov is not going to Europe after all.

As reported by Michael Grange from Sportsnet, the Toronto Raptors plan to keep Vezenkov, despite reports that the 28-year-old will go to Greece next season.

So, according to people with knowledge, reports that Sasha Vezenkov is leaving the NBA to play in Greece are… untrue. The former king has one year left on his NBA contract, the Raptors control his rights and have no intention of giving up on him and do not 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 numerous reports coming out of Europe suggesting that Vezenkov plans to leave the NBA after his rookie season with the Kings. He failed to carve out a role for himself, averaging just 5.4 points and 2.3 rebounds per game on 37.5 percent shooting in 42 games last season.

According to Sportando’s Alessandro Luigi Maggie, Vezenkov was reportedly close to signing a four-year deal with Olympiakos. The Raptors would have to waive Vezenkov to facilitate his return to Greece, and the organization has no plans to do so, Grange said.

The 6-foot-10 Vezenkov is scheduled to earn $6.7 million this season and has a team option next season for $7 million. If he remains in Toronto, he will likely provide the Raptors with a spot on the court 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.