Conflicting Reports Surround Recent Raptors Acquisition

The Toronto Raptors reportedly do not plan to waive Sasha Vezenkov and expect the 28-year-old to be with the club next season despite reports to the contrary

Apr 14, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Sasha Vezenkov (7) looks to shoot the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers in the fourth quarter at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports / Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Sasha Vezenkov may not be heading to Europe after all.

The Toronto Raptors reportedly plan to keep Vezenkov despite reports that the 28-year-old would be heading to Greece next season, according to Sportsnet's Michael Grange.

So, according to those in position to know, reports that Sasha Vezenkov is leaving NBA to play in Greece are … not true. The former King has 1yr left on his NBA deal, Raptors control his rights, & have no intention of waiving him & expect to have him in training camp. Carry on.

— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) June 29, 2024

Toronto acquired Vezenkov on Thursday afternoon in a deal with the Sacramento Kings that saw the Raptors send Jalen McDaniels to the Kings for Vezenkov, Davion Mitchell, a 2024 second-round pick Toronto used to select Jamal Shead, and a 2025 second-round pick from the Portland Trail Blazers.

There had been multiple reports from Europe suggesting Vezenkov planned to leave the NBA following his rookie season with the Kings. He had failed to carve out a role for himself, averaging just 5.4 points and 2.3 rebounds per game while shooting 37.5% from the floor across 42 games this past season.

Vezenkov was reportedly close to signing a four-year deal with Olympiacos, according to Alessandro Luigi Maggi of Sportando. The Raptors would have had to waive Vezenkov to facilitate his return to Greece and the organization does not plan to do that, Grange reported.

The 6-foot-9 Vezenkov is set to earn $6.7 million this season with a team option for $7 million next season. If he does remain in Toronto, he'll likely provide a floor-spacing as a three-point shooter off the bench for the Raptors.

With Vezenkov under contract for next season, Toronto will have just less than the full mid-level exception to use in free agency this offseason. The organization's lack of space below the luxury tax threshold likely means Gary Trent Jr. will not be returning to the club.