Following a disappointing first season in the NBA, Sasha Vezenkov has reportedly asked out of the Kings organization. The initial report was that Sasha informed the Kings he was not returning:
But realistically that’s not how this works. Vezenkov is under contract for next season, so we’re either looking at the two sides agreeing to a buyout, or (more likely) a trade.
🚨 Sasha Vezenkov has informed Sacramento Kings that he doesn’t intend to return for the 2nd year of his contract. For now it’s open whether he will continue his career in NBA or he will decide to return to Europe. @eurohoopsGR @Eurohoopsnet pic.twitter.com/AQOnejjMFX
— Mihalis Stefanou 🏀 (@mstef80) June 8, 2024
Sasha had a rough first season in the NBA as he dealt with injuries and inconsistent playing time. He’s certainly not the first European star to struggle with the transition to the NBA.
He can't just unilaterally decide to leave the Kings. They'd have to waive him. He's got a guaranteed year at $6.6M for 2024-25 and then the Kings hold a team option for 2025-26 for $6.9M. Sacramento controls this process, not Vezenkov.
Retiring then signing overseas might not… https://t.co/vD3SUya3RP
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 8, 2024
Sasha is owed $6.6M next season, and a team option the following year, essentially allowing him to be treated like an expiring contract for trade purposes.
We’ll continue to monitor this situation, but it’s likely we’ve seen the last of Sasha Vezenkov in a Kings uniform. Such a disappointing end to a player many of us had been very excited about just a year ago.
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