JUST IN:Raptors President Provides Update on Sasha Vezenkov Situation.It appears that Vezenkov…
The Toronto Raptors are anticipating a resolution on the Sasha Vezenkov situation shortly.
It appears that Vezenkov prefers to play in Europe next season. The 28-year-old struggled last season as a rookie with the Sacramento Kings, and indications suggest he genuinely wants to re-sign with Olympiacos in Greece.
However, the situation is complicated.
Vezenkov is owed $6.7 million by the Raptors for next season after the organization acquired him from Sacramento during the second round of the NBA draft. For Vezenkov to return to Europe, Toronto would need to part ways with him, likely requiring him to return part or all of his guaranteed salary.
“We’re still having that conversation,” Raptors president Masai Ujiri said on television during Saturday’s Summer League opener for Toronto. “We’re trying to figure it out, too. I think the right decisions will be made.”
If Vezenkov agrees to a buyout, the Raptors would have the returned salary available for free agency, adding to their current $3 million in space below the luxury tax threshold. If no buyout is reached, Vezenkov will remain on the books for this season, and his contract can be used as an expiring deal in trade talks.
“I think he’s a phenomenal player, and had a tough season last season, but those things happen, and (he’s a) great shooter,” Ujiri said. “So whatever happens, we’re going to make the best out of this situation, and we support him in every way. … So hopefully soon it should be coming to a decision on that.”
Vezenkov is a former EuroLeague MVP and a notable three-point shooter, who averaged 5.4 points with a 37.5% three-point accuracy as a rookie for the Kings.
