Kings news: Sasha Vezenkov, Richaun Holmes frustration
The Kings have made pretty big moves for late free agency this past week by signing Nerlens Noel and nearly guaranteeing a Neemias Queta exit.
After a more upbeat week for Kings fans, here are some smaller things you may have missed.
Sasha Vezekov is officially a King
The Sacramento Kings officially announced Sasha Vezenkov’s signing to the team weeks after he initially joined.
https://twitter.com/SacramentoKings/status/1681490946607972353
Vezenkov comes from the Greek team Olympiacos, where he was the MVP of the last season’s EuroLeague. Vezekov is a highly decorated stretch forward who will provide the Kings with great depth at the wing.
https://twitter.com/SacramentoKings/status/1682110629564526592
Vezenkov could easily become a starter for Sacramento as time progresses with the team.
Sasha finally signed with the team after not signing last summer and after six years of hesitation after he was drafted in 2017.
Richaun Holmes “BADLY” wanted out of Sacramento
After multiple seasons in Sacramento, Richaun Holmes ended up on a contract that was taking up too much cap space for a player that was not playing. This saw Rich Homie get traded away to Dallas during the 2023 NBA draft paired with the 24th pick, allowing the Kings to clear out the roster spot and get off Holmes’ contract.
Marc Stein reportedly says that Richaun Holmes badly wanted out of Sacramento:
Holmes averaged 3.1 points and 1.9 rebounds per game last season, where he only played in 42 games and fell out of rotation. His contract took up $12 million in cap space.
While Kings fans have no bad blood with Holmes and wish him all the best, you can’t blame the Kings for dumping his contract. It just didn’t work out for them. You also can’t blame Holmes for wanting out of the team – he should get a larger opportunity while he still can.
Kings fans should wish all the best to Holmes as he takes on a new challenge in Dallas.