Raptors' Sandro Mamukelashvili to Decline $2.8MM Player Option The Toronto Raptors’ big man, Sandro Mamukelashvili, has decided to decline his $2.8 million player option for the 2026/27 season, according to agents George Roussakis and Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports, as reported by Shams Charania of ESPN. This move comes after Mamukelashvili played under a $2.5 million veteran’s minimum contract this season, a deal he significantly outperformed. Analysts and insiders suggest he is likely to secure a multiyear contract worth more than $10 million annually, as noted by Josh Lewenberg of TSN. Mamukelashvili’s decision to walk away from the guaranteed money reflects his strong performance this season, which positioned him as a free agent with substantial market value. The 27-year-old forward appeared in 80 games (13 starts) and averaged 11.2 points and 4.9 rebounds in 21.9 minutes per night. His shooting efficiency was notable, with a 52.3% field goal percentage and 38.9% three-point shooting rate. These numbers earned him consideration for Sixth Man of the Year ballots, highlighting his impact despite limited playing time. The Raptors, who have expressed interest in re-signing Mamukelashvili, face challenges in structuring a competitive offer. The team reportedly plans to allocate around $10 million annually to retain him but would need to make adjustments elsewhere in the salary cap to do so. This situation is further complicated by Toronto’s reported pursuit of free agent Kawhi Leonard, which could influence their financial flexibility. Mamukelashvili’s journey to the Raptors began in 2021 when he signed a two-way contract with the Milwaukee Bucks.#shams_charania #toronto_raptors #sandro_mamukelashvili #george_roussakis #mark_bartelstein
