Sasha

Vezenkov

Vezenkov spent his first NBA season in Sacramento before he (along with Davion Mitchell and the 45th overall pick in last month’s draft) was traded to the Raptors on June 27. It was reported that Vezenkov was looking to return to Europe, specifically Olympiacos in Greece. Monday’s agreement, with the former Kings forward leaving more than $6.5 million on the table, frees him to sign with a team overseas.

Vezenkov only logged 12.2 minutes per game as a rookie, but he could see an increase in playing time for the rebuilding Raptors. Mitchell averaged nearly 28 minutes per game as a rookie, but his playing time has declined in each of the last two seasons. Both players were afterthoughts off of Sacramento’s bench, but they may see new opportunities in Toronto. Neither player, however, is worth drafting in 12-team fantasy leagues next season.

Vezenkov is under contract for this upcoming season, so he can’t simply “not return”. However, there is plenty of time for them to trade him or buy out his contract. Stefanou’s report also indicates that Vezenkov hasn’t decided if he will continue to play in the NBA or return to Europe. Vezenkov averaged 5.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.0 triple in 11.9 minutes per game across 44 appearances. He may have some upside if he lands with a different team that will grant him a larger role, but this shouldn’t have a direct impact on fantasy hoops at this point.

Lyles has played a decent-sized role off the bench since returning from an MCL sprain, but that hasn’t led to much fantasy production. Sasha Vezenkov and Kessler Edwards will likely soak up some minutes of Lyles sits out, but neither will be worth streaming.

Both forwards have been sidelined for a while, but they will both make their individual returns at the same time. Kessler Edwards has been the backup power forward, but Lyles should retake that role. However, neither of these guys will be standard league options as long as Sacramento’s starting lineup is healthy.

Vezenkov’s continued absence leaves the Kings down a man within its bench rotation but will not impact fantasy basketball. Starters Harrison Barnes and Keegan Murray will continue to play heavy minutes, with Alex Len sliding into the back end of the rotation.

Vezenkov has been sidelined since February 9 but could be closing in on a return. He has been considered questionable ahead of Sacramento’s last five games before being ruled out. That could happen again on Friday, but it would not significantly impact fantasy basketball. Starting forwards Harrison Barnes and Keegan Murray will continue to play most of the minutes.

Initially questionable for Tuesday’s game, Vezenkov will remain sidelined. His continued absence means starters Harrison Barnes and Keegan Murray will continue to log heavy minutes.

Vezenkov hasn’t played since his team’s Feb. 9 meeting with the Nuggets and is unlikely to be highly involved if he’s cleared on Tuesday. The Kings have been just fine without a traditional backup power forward. Keegan Murray should continue to carry a heavy workload.

No surprises here, as Vezenkov hasn’t suited up since before the All-Star break. His continued absence won’t have much of a fantasy impact, since the Kings have been running a nine-man rotation without a true backup power forward.