Toronto Raptors Waive Javon Freeman-Liberty and Sasha Vezenkov
The Toronto Raptors have waived Javon Freeman-Liberty (JFL) and Sasha Vezenkov, opening up a roster spot.
JFL had a partially guaranteed contract worth $100,000 this year, set to increase significantly on various future dates. Despite a solid Summer League performance, averaging 14.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.8 steals per game, he was cut due to the team’s influx of guards and wings. Freeman-Liberty led the Raptors in Summer League scoring, but with new rookies getting longer looks, his position was vulnerable.
Vezenkov’s situation was more complex. Acquired from the Sacramento Kings in a trade involving Jalen McDaniels, Vezenkov, a former Euroleague MVP with Olympiacos, faced uncertainty about his future with the Raptors. He requested a trade shortly after joining, preferring to return to Olympiacos.
Vezenkov had to choose between agreeing to a buyout, allowing him to keep part of his $6.6 million salary, or forfeiting the entire amount. He chose to leave without a buyout, freeing the Raptors from any financial obligations.
With these moves, Toronto now has one open roster spot and one open training camp spot, offering flexibility to sign a free agent, facilitate a trade, or add a player for training camp battles.
What should Toronto do next? Options include signing Tyus Jones, bringing back Precious Achiuwa or Christian Koloko, or making a trade involving Bruce Brown.
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