Sasha Vezenkov: Inks long-term deal with Greek club
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Vezenkov signed a five-year, $18.5 million contract with Greek club Olympiacos on Thursday, Evan Sidery of Forbes.com reports.
After the Kings shipped him to the Raptors in late June, Vezenkov reached a buyout agreement with Toronto earlier this week, giving up a guaranteed $6.6 million for the 2024-25 season so that he could pursue a return overseas. The 28-year-old will end up taking a pay cut in terms of annual average salary as he heads to Greece, but he'll get some longer-term security and will likely settle back in as a featured player for Olympiacos, with whom he earned EuroLeague MVP honors in 2023. Vezenkov made the jump to North America for the 2023-24 season but struggled to find his footing with the Kings, appearing in 42 contests for the club while averaging 5.4 points and 2.3 rebounds in 12.2 minutes.
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Sasha Vezenkov: Cut loose by Toronto
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The Raptors waived Vezenkov on Monday, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.
Vezenkov was under contract for a guaranteed $6.66 million in 2024-25, but in an expected move, he'll give up his full salary for the upcoming season so that he can pursue an opportunity overseas in Greece, per Murphy. After winning EuroLeague MVP honors with Greek club Olympiacos in 2023, Vezenkov signed a two-year deal with the Kings last summer. The 28-year-old had a quiet rookie season with the Kings, averaging 5.4 points and 2.3 rebounds in 12.2 minutes over 42 appearances.
The Kings traded Vezenkov, Davion Mitchell, the No. 45 pick in 2024 NBA Draft and a second-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft via Portland to the Raptors in exchange for Jalen McDaniels on Thursday, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.
Vezenkov made 42 appearances for the Kings in 2023-24, averaging 5.4 points and 2.3 rebounds in 12.2 minutes on 44.0/37.5/80.0 shooting splits. While Vezenkov has shown the ability to be a quality floor-spacer at the forward position, there is no guarantee he will receive a significant uptick in playing time in Toronto.
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Kings' Sasha Vezenkov: Wants to remain in NBA
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Contrary to a previous report, Vezenkov said he will honor his contract with the Kings and wants to stay in the NBA, Sean Cunningham of Fox 40 Sacramento reports.
Cunningham adds that the report which stated that Vezenkov will not return to the Kings is "off base". The Kings reportedly want to keep the sharpshooter, but there is a market for him and it's no secret that the forward would like a larger role in the rotation. In his first NBA campaign, Vezenkov posted averages of 5.4 points and 2.3 rebounds across 12.2 minutes in 42 appearances.
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Kings' Sasha Vezenkov: Wants out of Sacramento
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Vezenkov has informed the Kings he does not plan on returning for the second year of his contract, Mihalis Stefanou of eurohoops.net reports.
Vezenkov has a guaranteed contract for the 2024-25 season without an option, so it is possible that the Kings could waive him in the offseason. It is unclear whether the 28-year-old will remain in the NBA or make a return to Europe. Vezenkov logged his first action in the NBA last season with Sacramento and averaged 5.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 0.5 assists across 12.2 minutes in 42 appearances.
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Kings' Sasha Vezenkov: Scores five points in return
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Vezenkov (ankle) tallied five points (2-3 FG, 1-1 3Pt), two rebounds, two steals and one assist across 10 minutes off the bench in Sunday's 127-106 win over Utah.
The Kings will be without Malik Monk (knee) for the rest of the regular season, but the returns of Vezenkov and Trey Lyles (knee) from 22- and nine-game absences, respectively, helped fortify the Sacramento bench. The rookie from Cyprus turned in a useful all-around line during his time on the court, but Vezenkov is unlikely to see his role grow substantially over the final two weeks of the regular season unless Sacramento elects to scale back the minutes of starting forwards Harrison Barnes and Keegan Murray.
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Kings' Sasha Vezenkov: Back in action
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Vezenkov (ankle) is available for Sunday's game against the Jazz, James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento reports.
Vezenkov will make his return to the lineup Sunday after missing the last 22 games with an ankle injury. His return comes at a great time for Sacramento, who recently lost Malik Monk (knee) and Kevin Huerter (shoulder) to injury. Vezenkov could find his way into a substantial role with plenty of minutes suddenly available in the Kings' regular rotation.
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Kings' Sasha Vezenkov: Questionable for Sunday
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Vezenkov (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jazz.
Vezenkov has been sidelined since Feb. 9, but this will be his third straight questionable designation. He's been ramping up his activity at practice, and the Kings will be anxious to get him back after losing Malik Monk (knee) for the remainder of the regular season.
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Kings' Sasha Vezenkov: Won't suit up Friday
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Vezenkov (ankle) will not play Friday against the Mavericks.
Vezenkov has been sidelined since early February, but despite being ruled out for Friday, he's now considered day-to-day. He fully practiced Friday morning, and he could make his return Sunday against the Jazz.
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Kings' Sasha Vezenkov: Fully participates in practice
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Vezenkov (ankle), who is questionable for Friday's game against the Mavericks, fully participated in the Kings' morning practice session, Jake Gadon of CBS Sacramento reports.
Vezenkov hasn't suited up since early February but has been ramping up in recent days. His full participation in practice is encouraging, but the Kings will likely wait to see how he feels afterward before determining his status. If he's cleared to play, Vezenkov could face a minutes restriction following his lengthy absence.
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Kings' Sasha Vezenkov: Listed as questionable
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Vezenkov (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game against the Mavericks.
Vezenkov has been sidelined since early February, but he's trending in the right direction and is considered day-to-day. If he gets the green light, Vezenkov could work his way back into the rotation. On the season, the forward is averaging 12.6 minutes per game.
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Kings' Sasha Vezenkov: Sitting out Tuesday
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Vezenkov (ankle) won't play Tuesday against the Mavericks, Brenden Nunes of KHTK Sactown Sports 1140 reports.
Vezenkov hasn't played since early February due to a right ankle sprain but has been ramping up toward a return. His next chance to play will come Friday in a rematch versus Dallas.
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Kings' Sasha Vezenkov: Questionable for Tuesday's game
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Vezenkov (ankle) is questionable for Tuesday's game against Dallas.
Vezenkov hasn't played since early February due to a right ankle sprain, and it's unclear whether he'll be able to suit up in the second half of a back-to-back set Tuesday. If he's cleared to play, it wouldn't be surprising to see his playing time monitored.
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Kings' Sasha Vezenkov: Unavailable Monday
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Vezenkov (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's game against Philadelphia, Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee reports.
Vezenkov's next opportunity to take the court comes Tuesday versus Dallas when Sacramento closes out a back-to-back set. Vezenkov hasn't suited up since Feb. 9 due to a right ankle sprain.
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Kings' Sasha Vezenkov: Questionable for Monday
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Vezenkov (ankle) is questionable for Monday's game against the 76ers.
Vezenkov has a chance to return to action after missing the last 19 games due to a right ankle sprain. He could find his way into a small role should he be cleared, as Kevin Huerter (shoulder) is unavailable.
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Kings' Sasha Vezenkov: Downgraded to out
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Vezenkov (ankle) won't play in Saturday's game versus the Magic, Chris Biderman of The Sacramento Bee reports.
Vezenkov will miss his 19th straight game Saturday after being downgraded from questionable to out with a right ankle sprain. His next chance to suit up is Monday's matchup with Philadelphia.
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Kings' Sasha Vezenkov: Questionable for Saturday
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Vezenkov (ankle) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Magic.
Vezenkov hasn't played since Feb. 9 but is nearing a return to game action. His next chance to suit up will come Monday versus the 76ers.
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Kings' Sasha Vezenkov: Won't play Thursday
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Vezenkov (ankle) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against Washington.
Vezenkov was questionable for Thursday's matchup but will miss a 19th consecutive game. His next chance to suit up will be Saturday against Orlando.
