Conflicting reports raise questions about Sasha Vezenkov’s future with Sacramento Kings
Former EuroLeague MVP Sasha Vezenkov’s future with the Kings is suddenly in question amid conflicting reports out of Europe regarding his situation in Sacramento.
Basketinside.com’s Matteo Andreani reported Saturday that Vezenkov is no longer part of Sacramento’s plans. A short time later, Mihalis Stefanou of Eurohoops.net reported Vezenkov is the one who is seeking a way out of Sacramento following a difficult and disappointing rookie season.
The speculation began when Andreani tweeted: “Sasha Vezenkov has been informed that he’s not on Sacramento Kings plans for next season, I’m told. Vezenkov priority to stay in the NBA. Kings will try to trade him.”
Stefanou later tweeted: “Vezenkov has informed the Kings he does not intend to return for the 2024-25 season. Stefanou said it is unclear whether Vezenkov, the 2023 EuroLeague MVP, will remain in the NBA or return to Europe.”
Vezenkov signed a three-year, $20 million contract with the Kings last summer. He has one guaranteed year remaining at nearly $6.7 million with a $6.9 million team option for 2025-26.
Sacramento could trade Vezenkov or negotiate a buyout that would allow him to return to Europe, where the three-time Greek League MVP led Olympiacos to the EuroLeague Final Four in 2023.
Spotrac’s Keith Smith pointed out Vezenkov holds no real leverage, noting that the Kings will control the situation.
Smith tweeted: “He can’t just unilaterally decide to leave the Kings. ... Sacramento controls this process, not Vezenkov.”
Vezenkov averaged 5.4 points and 2.3 rebounds in 12.2 minutes per game, shooting 44% from the field and 37.5% from 3-point range.
Vezenkov appeared in 42 games while floating in and out of coach Mike Brown’s rotation. Vezenkov was showing progress before a left ankle sprain caused him to miss two weeks. He returned briefly before going down with a grade-3 right ankle sprain that sidelined him for seven weeks.
Vezenkov addressed the difficulties he faced while adjusting to a new country and the NBA game after Sacramento’s season ended with a play-in tournament loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.
“Overall, it was ... a weird season,” Vezenkov said. “Ups and downs, new game, new life, a couple of injuries. I tried to adjust as fast as possible, and unfortunately we finished too early. Everybody wanted to continue and go deep into the playoffs, but we have to learn from that.
“It was, as I said, a new experience, and I wanted every day to become better. Unfortunately, those two injuries, I think they held me back, but the whole situation was a little bit difficult and different.”
This story was originally published June 9, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
