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:
đ¨ Sasha Vezenkov has informed Sacramento Kings that he doesnât intend to return for the 2nd year of his contract. For now itâs open whether he will continue his career in NBA or he will decide to return to Europe. @eurohoopsGR @Eurohoopsnet pic.twitter.com/AQOnejjMFX
â Mihalis Stefanou đ (@mstef80) June 8, 2024
But realistically thatâs not how this works. Vezenkov is under contract for next season, so weâre either looking at the two sides agreeing to a buyout, or (more likely) a trade.
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
â Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 8, 2024
Sasha had a rough first season in the NBA as he dealt with injuries and inconsistent playing time. Heâs certainly not the first European star to struggle with the transition to the NBA.
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.
Weâll continue to monitor this situation, but itâs likely weâve 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.
