The Toronto Raptors will be coming to a decision soon regarding Sasha Vezenkov.
There has been speculation that the 28-year-old will be joining Olympiacos, but he is still under contract with Toronto.
If the Raptors and Vezenkov work toward a buyout, it would allow him to leave for Europe.
Raptors president Masai Ujiri shared an update on Vezenkov’s future with the team during Toronto’s first Summer League game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, via Sports Illustrated’s Aaron Rose:
“We’re still having that conversation. The right decision will be made…I think he’s a phenomenal player…whatever happens we’re going to make the best out of this situation and we support him in every way…hopefully soon we’ll be coming to a decision on that.”
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.
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.
Toronto has 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 sign one more player to a guaranteed deal.
Michael Grange of Sportsnet reported Vezenkov is expected to be with the Raptors in training camp.
However, rumors are persisting of Vezenkov wanting to return to Europe and him potentially joining Olympiacos.
Raptors in East Group B with Bucks, Pacers, Heat & Pistons
The Toronto Raptors will be in East Group B for the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup, formerly known as the In-Season Tournament.
Joining the Raptors in their group will be the Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat and Detroit Pistons.
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