After an uneven rookie season, forward Sasha Vezenkov has informed the Kings he’d prefer a change of scenery, sources tell Mihalis Stefanou of Eurohoops.
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.
According to Stefanou, Vezenkov has yet to decide whether he wants to continue his NBA career or return to Europe. The ’22/23 EuroLeague MVP would generate “huge interest” overseas, Stefanou adds.
Still, as Keith Smith of Spotrac observes (via Twitter), the Kings will certainly have a major say in what transpires. Since Vezenkov’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.
In our Kings offseason preview, which was released last night, Luke Adams identified Vezenkov as a possible salary-dump candidate due to the team’s proximity to the luxury tax.
Vezenkov, 28, 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.
Interestingly, the former Olympiacos star said he had no regrets about coming stateside when the Kings’ season concluded in April.
“I made the right choice, no doubt about it,” Vezenkov said.
Guy isn’t built for the NBA. Looks like Forest Gump when he gets his 4 minutes
So he’s crazy fast and has a motor that won’t quit? Sounds amazing!
Momma says bonercats adds to his list of stupid is as stupid does comments here on hoopsrumors.
Lmao I guarantee you haven’t seen one minute of Sasha play basketball but sure
Forrest Gump hooked up with Robin Wright. Sounds like you are jealous.
Sounds like a buy out is coming…
He had an injury riddled first campaign and he is kind of a one trick pony. Definitely doesn’t have the defensive handle he should. If in the kings I figure out how to dump that salary. Unfortunate cuz I had big hopes
No sense on having big hopes when the Euroleague MVP is Mike James.
Mike James wouldn’t be the MVP of the Gleague.
Yes he would you’re delusional
This isn’t a hypothetical situation genius.
He played three years in the Gleague and he didn’t win the MVP. Averaged a whopping 17 PPG.
Study up.
Actually, I am delusional, I picked the wrong Mike James statline.
Extremely delusional actually.
There are Euroleague MVPs that average barely double digits and not like they average double doubles.
Look like we found Mike James mom!
Doncic was also the euroleague mvp
These older Euro guys always overvalue themselves. They are always going to be role players at best. Micic from last year came over and got traded.
Foot speed baby
Jokic will pay his salary if he joins Denver. Joker will accept Micic as well, since these guys can’t play. Look at recent drafts and MVP voting to see how good Euroball can be.