Sasha Vezenkov opens up on potentially joining the Kings this summer

May 30, 2023, 8:49 AM | Updated: 8:54 am

KAUNAS, LITHUANIA - MAY 21: Sasha Vezenkov, #14 of Olympiacos Piraeus reacts during Turkish Airline...

(Photo by Tolga Adanali/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images)

Sacramento Kings Beat Writer

You might want to get comfortable if you were hoping for a quick resolution to the Sasha Vezenkov-Sacramento Kings storyline. It’s going to take some time.

Vezenkov, the reigning EuroLeague Most Valuable Player, has been heavily linked to joining the Kings this summer, but the 27-year-old’s recent comments to Bulgarian television BNT make it clear that Vezenkov isn’t ready to dive into the negotiations.

“I’m only thinking about how to become the champions of Greece and what will be the right decision for me at this moment,” Vezenkov said when asked about his future on Saturday.

“Nobody knows what will happen in a few years, so I will decide how to continue when the time comes.”

Yeah. Sasha Vezenkov would fit in just fine with the Kings.pic.twitter.com/TZgl9ZPLj4

— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) May 21, 2023

Although Sacramento sent several key members of its organization–including head coach Mike Brown, associate head coach Jordi Fernández and others–overseas to watch Vezenkov during the EuroLeague playoffs, the forward won’t let that sway his decision-making.

“I feel very good when specialists and coaches say nice words [about me], but I know it’s a business, and it’s all about how, what, and when. We agreed that it would be fairest to finish the EuroLeague season and then talk. We’ll see if [the Kings] have a specific offer,” Vezenkov continued.

“I’m ready for new challenges, but, as I’ve said before, Athens and Olympiacos are my home, and I feel great. For me, the most important thing is what’s best for my future.”

Over 37 appearances with Olympiacos BC in the EuroLeague this season, Vezenkov averaged 17.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 65 percent on two-point field goals and 39 percent from beyond the three-point arc en route to securing the EuroLeague MVP award.

Vezenkov and Olympiacos fell short during last week’s EuroLeague Final, dropping a 79-78 heartbreaker to Real Madrid. The forward is now seeking his second-straight Greek League title as Olympiacos awaits an opponent in the finals.

The Kings hold the 27-year-old’s NBA rights thanks to a draft day deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers last June, and reports have indicated that Vezenkov is inching closer to making a commitment to Sacramento that would bring the forward over for the 2023-24 season.

Sacramento cannot sign Vezenkov to a contract before June 22nd’s NBA Draft, but we are closing in on the endgame. Once the Draft concludes, the Kings can begin negotiating a buyout with Olympiacos–which will be around $1.5 million–before diving into player contract details.

Vezenkov will either be a member of the Kings come early July, or the 6’9 forward will remain in Greece for another go-around at a EuroLeague title.