10 days ago, we learned that Sasha Vezenkov had no intention of leaving the NBA to return to Europe. Except that it will no longer be in Sacramento and the United States, but in Canada, in Toronto more precisely, since the two franchises concluded an exchange a few minutes before the second round of the Draft.
According to ESPNthe Bulgarian leaves the Kings in the company of Davion Mitchelland the two cross paths with Jalen McDaniels. Sacramento also gives up the 45th choice of the 2024 Draft.
The Raptors are thus continuing their major reconstruction, and they are recovering a strong attacker, who could flourish under the leadership of Darko Rajakovic, while Davion Mitchell will provide defense on the back lines. Behind RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, he has a real role to play.
For Sacramento, Jalen McDaniels brings athletic qualities and size to positions 3 and 4. Behind Keegan Murray and Harrison Barnes, it is not certain that he will get many minutes. Since leaving the Hornets, Jaden's big brother has gotten a little lost. First in a big car, with the Sixers, then with a “lottery team” in Toronto.
In fact, this exchange allows the Kings to go under the “luxury tax” and at the same time, to benefit from a “mid-level exception” at $12.9 million to recruit.