Before signing Jonathan Kuminga, the Timberwolves reportedly explored bringing two-time EuroLeague MVP Sasha Vezenkov back to the NBA.
Before signing Jonathan Kuminga, the Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly considered bringing one of Europe’s most accomplished players back to the NBA.
Minnesota explored the possibility of convincing Sasha Vezenkov to return to the league, according to NBA insider Marc Stein of The Stein Line. The Timberwolves did not extend a formal offer after the 31-year-old forward indicated he was not interested in leaving Europe.
Vezenkov currently plays for Olympiacos and was named EuroLeague MVP for the second time following the 2025-26 season. His scoring, rebounding and outside shooting made him an intriguing potential addition for a Minnesota team looking to strengthen its supporting cast around Anthony Edwards.
“League sources tell The Stein Line that Minnesota indeed explored the feasibility of trying to convince Vezenkov to give the NBA one more shot before the Timberwolves’ recent signing of Jonathan Kuminga,” Stein wrote. “Sources say no formal offer from the Wolves was made, but that’s presumably because the 31-year-old indicated that he was not open to a return.”
Vezenkov Dominated After Returning to Europe
Vezenkov has rebuilt his reputation as one of Europe’s premier players after a brief and disappointing NBA stint.
The Bulgarian forward averaged 19.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists during the 2025-26 EuroLeague season. He shot 62.5% on 2-point attempts and 39.6% from behind the arc while leading the competition in scoring.
His performance earned him a second EuroLeague MVP award after he previously won the honor in 2023.
Vezenkov joined the Sacramento Kings for the 2023-24 season after establishing himself with Olympiacos. His shooting and ability to score without dominating the ball appeared to make him a natural NBA role player.
That potential never completely materialized. Vezenkov averaged 5.4 points and 2.3 rebounds in 42 games while struggling to secure consistent playing time in Sacramento’s rotation.
The Kings traded him to the Toronto Raptors after one season. Toronto later waived Vezenkov, clearing the way for him to return to Olympiacos.
Vezenkov told Stein that his first NBA opportunity might not have been completely fair to either side, but he does not regret testing himself against the world’s best players. He also acknowledged that his family and life are now in Europe, making another NBA move difficult.
Although Vezenkov did not permanently close the door on a return, he appears comfortable continuing his career with Olympiacos.
Timberwolves Pivoted to Kuminga
Minnesota’s interest in Vezenkov came before the organization completed its deal with Kuminga.
The two forwards would have filled different roles. Vezenkov is an experienced shooter and intelligent off-ball scorer who could have created additional space for Edwards. Kuminga is younger, more athletic and better equipped to create his own offense.
Vezenkov would have represented a lower-risk attempt to add immediate shooting and frontcourt depth. Kuminga offers more long-term upside but will require Minnesota to determine how his offensive game fits with Edwards and the rest of the rotation.
No formal offer was made to Vezenkov, but Minnesota’s inquiry demonstrated how broadly the front office searched for help. The Timberwolves were willing to examine options outside the traditional NBA free-agent pool before eventually landing Kuminga.
Vezenkov’s dominant play understandably attracted NBA interest. However, after regaining his starring role and winning another MVP award, he had little incentive to leave Europe for an uncertain position.
Minnesota ultimately secured a different forward, while Vezenkov remained in a situation where he is already one of the continent’s biggest stars.
