The Toronto Raptors have waived forward Sasha Vezenkov, according to Sportsnet’s Blake Murphy. This clears the way for Vezenkov to join Olympiacos on a five-year deal that he’d already agreed to, but couldn’t technically complete as he was still under contract with the Raptors. Per Murphy, Toronto will also waive Javon Freeman-Liberty, a 2023 Summer League standout.
Vezenkov is leaving the entire $6,658,536 on the table in the buyout, per a source.
The Raptors pay $0. He has no cap hit any longer.
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) July 22, 2024
In doing so, the former EuroLeague MVP forfeited the two remaining years on his contract. As Vezenkov had a team option on his contract for 2025-26, he could have made $13.6 million through 2026. Now, he’ll head back home to Europe with a clearer conscious but a much lighter wallet.
Raptors Resolve Unique Situation With Roster Move
This move isn’t exactly a win for the Raptors.
Vezenkov’s outside shooting could have benefited a team that ranked 27th in 3-point percentage (.347) last season. Toronto also ranked 22nd in 3-point attempts (33.1). Without becoming a better positional defender, Vezenkov may not have received a massive amount of playing time. Nonetheless, in the time that he was on the court, he could’ve been a game-changer.
Still, in acquiring Vezenkov, they also traded for Davion Mitchell, 2024 No. 45 pick Jamal Shead and a 2025 second-round pick.
Shead has a knack for disruptive defense, while Mitchell has developed a reputation as an on-ball bloodhound. Earning the nickname ‘Off-Night’ with his suffocating ball pressure, his defensive impact is an x-factor for Toronto. In fact, because the Raptors’ biggest issue last season was arguably their perimeter defense, he could pushed for a starting spot. Playing alongside Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, and Scottie Barnes, Mitchell’s defense may be the missing piece.
With two roster spots now open, Toronto also has an opportunity to address two specific problem areas.
Now Hiring 3-and-D Wings
Again, the Raptors’ offense would be enhanced by adding an above-average 3-point threat. Said player would ideally be a forward or wing with athleticism that gives him more defensive upside than 2023 No. 13 pick Gradey Dick.
Among the available free agents, 25-year-old Stanley Umude would be a suitable option. A tenacious defender at 6-foot-6 and 210 pounds, Umude made 45.3 percent of his 3s with the Detroit Pistons last season.
However, veteran Lonnie Walker IV may be a better option. Walker has less size than Umude at 6-foot-4. Yet, he has a larger and more consistent body of work, shooting at least 36.5 percent from 3 in four of his six career seasons.
Getting To The Point
Toronto could also stand to add a true point guard. Though the Raptors have several players who excel with the ball in their hands, only Barnes is a natural floor general. Quickley is more focused on scoring. Mitchell’s strengths are at the defensive end. Bruce Brown is more of a connector than initiator and manipulator.
The best point guard available is Tyus Jones, who may be in the same situation Kelly Oubre Jr. was in last offseason. Though he’s a talented player, he wasn’t prioritized, and team’s money has dried up. Now, unless they execute a sign-and-trade with the Washington Wizards that involves Brown or Chris Boucher, he’ll likely have to sign a deal below his free market value just to keep his money and momentum flowing.
If Jones is signed, his playmaking will allow him to run the show in Toronto, generating easy points for Quickley, Barrett, Barnes and others.
