Sasha Vezenkov will be returning to Europe.
The Raptors acquired Vezenkov, Davion Mitchell, a 2024 second-round pick (Jamal Shead) and the Portland Trail Blazers 2025 second-round pick on June 27 in a deal with the Sacramento Kings. That trade resulted in Jalen McDaniels to the Kings.
After some negotiation, Toronto and Vezenkov came to terms on a buyout, allowing him to return overseas.
Vezenkov has now inked a five-year, €18.5 million contract with Olympiacos Piraeus that could go up to €20.5 million with bonuses. This makes him one of the highest-paid athletes in EuroLeague, per BasketNews.
Annually, Vezenkov will earn €3.7 million per season, according to SDNA.
When he was waived, Vezenkov left the entire $6.7 million of his NBA salary on the table, meaning Toronto will not pay anything.
Vezenkov’s shooting would’ve helped the Raptors from off the bench. However, he wanted to go back to Europe and play for Olympiacos.
In his lone season in Sacramento, he averaged 5.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 0.5 assists on 44 percent shooting from the field and 37.5 percent shooting from deep.
Back in 2017, Vezenkov was the No. 57 overall pick of the Brooklyn Nets. He opted to stay overseas until finally coming to the NBA for the 2023-24 season.
By signing this contract with Olympiacos, Vezenkov is effectively set for the rest of his career. So, perhaps one season in the NBA is all Vezenkov will play.
Masai Ujiri shares update on Sasha Vezenkov
A few weeks ago, Masai Ujiri said the Raptors would come to a decision regarding Vezenkov soon.
Two weeks later, Ujiri supported his decision and allowed Vezenkov to go back to EuroLeague to continue his basketball career.
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