A couple of reports last week had conflicting information about the future of Kings forward Sasha Vezenkov.
An Italian reporter claimed Vezenkov was told he was no longer in Sacramento’s plans and the team would look to trade him, while Eurohoops reported that Vezenkov told the Kings he wasn’t going to return for a second season and he was undecided on whether he would stay in the NBA or return to Europe.
While the former EuroLeague MVP “remains frustrated” with the limited he role he played off the bench as a rookie last season, several sources tell Sean Cunningham of Fox 40 that there’s “no truth” to the rumor of Vezenkov considering an NBA exit (Twitter link). A source close to Vezenkov referred to that reporting as “off base” and said the Bulgarian intends to honor the terms of his contract.
Cunningham hears Sacramento would like to keep Vezenkov on the roster, but evidently there is external interest in his services as well. Given the Kings could be over the luxury tax line if they’re able to re-sign Malik Monk in free agency, it’s possible they might unload Vezenkov to save money, as our Luke Adams wrote when he previewed the Kings’ offseason.
Vezenkov signed a three-year, $20MM contract with Sacramento last summer. His $6.66MM salary for 2024/25 is fully guaranteed, while his $6.98MM salary for ’25/26 is a team option.
As we previously noted, Vezenkov can’t just terminate his contract. And since the 28-year-old’s deal for next season is guaranteed, Sacramento has no incentive to waive him unless he’s willing to give back some or all of the money he’s owed in a buyout. According to Cunningham’s report, that scenario is highly unlikely to occur.
Vezenkov averaged 5.4 PPG and 2.3 RPG on .440/.375/.800 shooting in 42 games last season for Sacramento (12.2 MPG). He missed 22 games with a Grade 3 right ankle sprain, but even when he was healthy, he wasn’t a consistent part of the team’s rotation.
What? He’s surprised that the inferior Euroleague didn’t earn him a role as an NBA star?
He just needed a rookie year to learn the ropes, and didn’t help he missed 30 games with ankle injuries. He’ll improve next year, whether with Sac or another team.
Maybe he can compete with Embiid and Chet for ROTY next season…
That will definitely happen since they are both sophomores Lol
Bulls have needed a PF since …… well a long time. He’s reasonably priced and the Bulls have trade assets. Terry, Phillips, Taylor, second round picks? Seems like something can be done. he should at least see the floor for the Bulls and get Vujevic something he dearly needs which is another big man to help out on the boards.
So basically he’s afraid to ask for a trade? Got it.
Never trust a man named Sasha.
Lmao
I guess it’s become newsworthy when a guy intends to honor his contract.
Bad signing in the first place… who on here didn’t know that?
Harrison Barnes for Sixers pick 16 in the draft and Patrick Reed
Vezenkov and pick 16 for DFS
2 players in 2 players out, saves 10 mil roughly in cap space which then allows you to retain Malik Monk without dipping into the luxury tax.
DFS replaces Barnes, Reed replaces Vekenov.
Definitely a little worse in terms of shooting but I’d argue better defensively and saves you a ton of money. Can replace the shooting by adding someone in FA for the min
This is so horrible it actually upsets me
What did I just read
Kings are back to being the Kings
WARRIORS DO SOMETHING