Sasha Vezenkov is still a member of the Toronto Raptors.
With rumors persisting of Vezenkov wanting to return to Europe and Olympiacos signing him to a long-term deal, he remains under contract with the Raptors.
Michael Grange of Sportsnet reported Vezenkov is expected to be with the Raptors in training camp.
Raptors president Masai Ujiri provided an update on where things currently stand with the 28-year-old, via Grange:
“We’re still going through that situation. I had conversations with Sasha [Vezenkov], his representations, Bobby [Webster], coach [Darko Rajakovic]. And I think that should develop in the next few days or we’ll see whether it’s a few months. We acquired a player in a trade and we feel we have communicated well. We communicated well with the agent and the team before. And so we’ll see how that goes.”
The Raptors acquired Vezenkov on June 27 in a deal with the Sacramento Kings. The trade sent McDaniels to the Kings for Vezenkov, Davion Mitchell, a 2024 second-round pick which Toronto used to select Jamal Shead and a 2025 second-round pick from the Portland Trail Blazers.
If the Raptors and Vezenkov work toward a buyout, it would allow him to leave for Europe. Vezenkov is owed $6.7 million this year by Toronto with a team option for nearly $7 million next year. He is not allowed to sign with another team until the Raptors release him from his contract, which would likely come through a buyout.
As of now the Raptors have 15 fully guaranteed players on its roster ahead of training camp. If a buyout happens and Vezenkov leaves for Europe, the Raptors will be able to add one more player on a guaranteed deal.
Scottie Barnes & Immanuel Quickley officially sign big contracts
Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley have both officially re-signed with the Toronto Raptors.
Barnes signed a max five-year extension worth a minimum of $225 million, that could balloon to $270 million. Meanwhile, Quickley inked a five-year deal worth $175 million.
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