Raptors' Sandro Mamukelashvili Declines $2.8-Million Player Option, Becomes Free Agent The Toronto Raptors face potential financial and roster challenges as forward Sandro Mamukelashvili has decided not to exercise his $2.8 million player option for the 2026-27 NBA season, making him a free agent. The move, reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, marks the end of Mamukelashvili’s tenure with the Raptors after a productive but brief stint with the team. Mamukelashvili, 27, emerged as a key contributor for the Raptors during the 2025-26 season, averaging 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. These numbers represent career highs for the Georgian international, who shot 52.3% from the field and 38.9% from beyond the arc. His performance as the team’s sixth man highlighted his ability to impact games in limited minutes, with an average of 21.9 minutes per night. The forward joined the Raptors as a free agent in the summer of 2025, signing a deal that allowed him to play the most games of his five-year NBA career. Over the course of the season, he suited up in 80 games, a significant increase from his previous totals with the Milwaukee Bucks, San Antonio Spurs, and earlier Raptors appearances. His role expanded during the playoffs, where he made all seven games of the first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. In those contests, he averaged 5 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist per game, marking his first taste of postseason action. Mamukelashvili’s journey to the Raptors was shaped by his career trajectory. Drafted by the Bucks in the second round in 2021, he spent two seasons with the team before moving to the Spurs in 2023. His time with the Spurs was brief, but it provided him with valuable experience before joining the Raptors.#milwaukee_bucks #san_antonio_spurs #toronto_raptors #sandro_mamukelashvili #espn_shams_charania
Timberwolves Struggle to Find Ideal Replacement for Naz Reid The Minnesota Timberwolves face a significant challenge in addressing their power forward void after trading Julius Randle and Naz Reid. The team’s roster now lacks a player with the same combination of 3-point shooting and court vision that Reid brought to the lineup, leaving a critical gap in their offensive strategy. While the Wolves have the taxpayer mid-level exception (worth approximately $6 million annually) to pursue free agents, reports suggest that Sandro Mamukelashvili, a former Raptors forward, may be priced beyond their reach. Mamukelashvili, who averaged 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists for Toronto last season, has emerged as a top target for the Wolves. His ability to stretch the floor with a 6-foot-9 frame, coupled with his shooting efficiency (52.3% from the field, 38.9% from three-point range, and 74.7% free-throw shooting), aligns closely with the skills Reid provided. However, The Stein Line reports that Mamukelashvili is likely to command a deal near the full $15 million mid-level exception, which exceeds the Wolves’ available budget. The Raptors hope to re-sign him before the free agency window opens, but his market value could attract multiple suitors. For the Wolves, the challenge lies in balancing their financial constraints with the need to replicate Reid’s impact. While Mamukelashvili remains the most suitable option in free agency, his price tag complicates matters. The team may need to explore alternative strategies, including trades or lower-cost signings. Dean Wade of the Cavaliers, for instance, could be a viable option if his price aligns with the mid-level exception range.#toronto_raptors #minnesota_timberwolves #naz_reid #julius_randle #sandro_mamukelashvili
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
