In a surprising turn of events, the Toronto Raptors have made the tough decision to waive forward Sasha Vezenkov, a move that has left fans wondering what the team’s next steps will be. According to Sportsnet’s Blake Murphy, this move clears the way for Vezenkov to join Olympiacos on a lucrative five-year deal that he had already agreed to before, but couldn’t finalize due to contractual obligations with the Raptors.
The Raptors’ decision to waive Vezenkov is a bittersweet one, as his outside shooting abilities could have greatly benefited a team that struggled with their 3-point shooting last season. With a ranking of 27th in 3-point percentage and 22nd in 3-point attempts, it is clear that the Raptors needed an upgrade in this area. However, without a significant improvement in his positional defense, Vezenkov may not have seen significant playing time on the court.
But all is not lost for the Raptors, as they made some notable acquisitions in exchange for Vezenkov. In addition to parting ways with Javon Freeman-Liberty, a standout from the 2023 Summer League, the Raptors traded for Davion Mitchell, 2024 No. 45 pick Jamal Shead, and a 2025 second-round pick. Mitchell, in particular, has garnered attention for his tenacious defense and ability to put pressure on the ball handler. His defensive prowess could prove to be a game-changer for the Raptors, especially considering their struggles with perimeter defense in the past season.
With the addition of Mitchell to a lineup that includes promising young talents like Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, and Scottie Barnes, the Raptors are poised to make waves in the upcoming season. Mitchell’s defensive skills could provide the missing piece to the Raptors’ puzzle, and fans can expect to see some exciting matchups on the court.
In resolving the unique situation with the roster move involving Vezenkov, the Raptors have signaled that they are committed to building a competitive team for the future. While it may be disappointing to see Vezenkov go, the team is focused on strengthening their lineup and addressing their weaknesses. As they continue to make moves and prepare for the upcoming season, the Raptors are clearly on a mission to make a statement in the league.