Will Sasha Vezenkov play for Raptors? Tracking latest news, rumors surrounding forward leaving NBA for Olympiacos

Sasha Vezenkov was a notable signing for the Kings during the 2023 offseason.

The 6-9 forward was the 2022-23 EuroLeague MVP with averages of 17.6 points and 7.0 rebounds per game on .546/.398/.857 shooting splits for Olympiacos. He inked a three-year, $20.0 million deal with the Kings that offseason.

The 28-year-old didn’t find a consistent role with Sacramento, however, averaging just 5.4 points in 12.2 minutes per game.

The organization traded him to the Raptors during the 2024 offseason, but reports show that Vezenkov could return to Olympiacos instead. He has two years remaining on his NBA contract, including a team option for the third season.

Here’s the latest news and rumors on Vezenkov’s decision to leave the NBA for the EuroLeague.

Will Sasha Vezenkov play for the Raptors? Tracking latest news, rumors

July 4

Vezenkov is expected to return to Olympiacos for the 2024-25 season, according to Konstantinos Melayes of Gazzetta.gr.

The 28-year-old forward will have spent just one season in the NBA before reportedly returning to the EuroLeague and the same team he won the MVP with. The Raptors would have to release him to coordinate this move.

Vezenkov reportedly declined an offer from Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens.

July 1

Vezenkov addresses rumors that he’s leaving the Raptors for Olympiacos at a sports camp in Bulgaria.

“Right now I’m a Toronto Raptor,” Vezenkov said, per SPORT24’s Harris Stavrou. “I have to see what they want from me, what their intentions are, but the only thing I really need is to focus to myself and get 100 percent healthy for the next season.”

June 29

Following the trade, rumors indicate that Vezenkov may not play for the Raptors at all and instead leave the NBA in favor of a return to the EuroLeague.

Sportsnet’s Michael Grange denies those rumors, stating the Raptors “have no intention of waiving him.”

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

Vezenkov has two years remaining on his NBA contract, one of which is a team option.

June 29

Vezenkov is close to returning to Olympiacos on a four-year deal, according to Sportando’s Alessandro Maggi, who added that the forward would have to reach a buyout agreement with the Raptors to return to the EuroLeague.

June 27

The Kings trade Vezenkov, Davion Mitchell and the 45th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft to the Raptors for Jaden McDaniels, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Sasha Vezenkov stats