The Sacramento Kings enter the NBA offseason coming off their first playoff appearance in nearly two decades. With one of the longest playoff droughts in sports behind them, Sacramento is now focused on becoming a championship contender.
The Kings have been connected to several available players in both free agency and the NBA trade market this summer. While OG Anunoby and Kyle Kuzma are among the club’s targets, Sacramento also has its eyes on a player it has exclusive rights to.
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Sasha Vezenkov is one of the best international basketball players right now, emerging as a star in the EuroLeague. Turning 28 years old in August, the 6-foot-9 forward is coming off a breakout season that earned him EuroLeague MVP honors.
- Sasha Vezenkov stats (EuroLeague): 17.6 PPG, 7 RPG, 1.9 APG, 54.6% FG, 39.8% 3PT
A season after being named to the All-EuroLeague First Team, Vezenkov took another step forward in his career. He won the Greek League championship for the second consecutive season and won the EuroLeague Top Scorer Trophy. Now, he has an opportunity to head to the NBA.
According to Christos Tsaltas of Sportal, Sacramento is determined to bring Vezenkov to the NBA next season. However, Olympiacos co-owner Giorgos Aggelopoulos told EuroHoops.com that he is determined to prevent that from happening.
“Let’s not worry. Let’s not look at the next day. It is a given that both players belong to Olympiacos. They must stay at Olympiacos. We want them and we will do everything.”
Olympiacos co-owner Giorgos Aggelopoulos on potentially losing Sasha Vezenkov to the Sacramento Kings this summer
Related: Sasha Vezenkov ‘seriously considering’ signing with Sacramento Kings
Vezenkov was selected with the 57th overall pick by the Brooklyn Nets in the 2017 NBA Draft when he played for FC Barcelona. Sacramento acquired the rights to Vezenkov in 2022, trading the 49th overall pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for him. While he remains under contract with Olympiacos Piraeus through 2025, his contract includes a player opt-out this summer.
During the EuroLeague season, the Kings’ front office and coaching staff had a heavy presence at Vezenkov’s games. As noted by The Kings Herald, general manager Monte McNair, head coach Mike Brown, assistant general manager Phil Jabour and assistant coach Jay Triano have all scouted Vezenkov in person.
Related: Sacramento Kings aggressively pursuing OG Anunoby, how a trade might look
Tsaltas also reported that the Kings view Vezenkov as a key rotational player, who can serve as the backup to Keegan Murray and even share the court with him. While Olympiacos will attempt to retain him, Sacramento is heavily favored to sign him this summer.