What Happened to Alexander "Sandro" Mamukelashvili?
Sandro Mamukelashvili is a Georgian-American professional basketball player who recently concluded a breakout 2025-26 NBA season with the Toronto Raptors. After significantly increasing his value, he declined his $2.8 million player option for the 2026-27 season on June 29, 2026, to become an unrestricted free agent, seeking a multi-year contract potentially exceeding $10 million annually. He is currently a highly sought-after free agent as of June 30, 2026.
Quick Answer
Sandro Mamukelashvili, a 27-year-old Georgian-American power forward/center, is currently an unrestricted free agent in the NBA as of June 30, 2026. He recently declined his $2.8 million player option with the Toronto Raptors for the 2026-27 season following a career-best performance in 2025-26, where he averaged 11.2 points and 4.9 rebounds. Mamukelashvili is expected to command a significant multi-year contract in free agency, with reports suggesting offers could top $10 million per season, and has been linked to teams like the Los Angeles Lakers.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Born in New York City
Alexander "Sandro" Mamukelashvili was born in New York City, New York, holding dual Georgian-American nationality.
Commits to Seton Hall University
Mamukelashvili began his collegiate basketball career with the Seton Hall Pirates, playing for four seasons.
Named Big East co-Player of the Year
As a senior at Seton Hall, Mamukelashvili earned the prestigious Big East co-Player of the Year award, averaging 17.5 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.
Drafted by Indiana Pacers, traded to Milwaukee Bucks
Mamukelashvili was selected by the Indiana Pacers with the 54th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, then immediately traded to the Milwaukee Bucks.
NBA Debut with Milwaukee Bucks
He made his NBA debut with the Milwaukee Bucks, coming off the bench in a victory against the Brooklyn Nets.
Waived by Bucks, claimed by San Antonio Spurs
Mamukelashvili was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks and subsequently claimed off waivers by the San Antonio Spurs, where his contract was converted to a standard NBA deal.
Career-high 34 points with Spurs
While with the San Antonio Spurs, Mamukelashvili scored a career-high 34 points in a game against the New York Knicks, doing so in less than 20 minutes of play.
Signs with Toronto Raptors
Mamukelashvili signed a two-year, $5.5 million contract with the Toronto Raptors, marking a new chapter in his NBA career.
Strong performance against former team
Mamukelashvili contributed 15 points and seven rebounds in a win over his former team, the Milwaukee Bucks, showcasing his immediate impact with the Raptors.
Mid-season Raptors report card
A year-end report card noted Mamukelashvili's strong performance with the Raptors, averaging 10.7 points and 4.8 rebounds, and leading bench minutes.
NBA Playoff Debut
Mamukelashvili made his NBA playoff debut, appearing in all seven first-round games for the Raptors against the Cleveland Cavaliers, averaging 5 points and 5 rebounds.
Declines Player Option, Enters Free Agency
Mamukelashvili declined his $2.8 million player option for the 2026-27 season with the Toronto Raptors, making him an unrestricted free agent. This decision followed a career-best season.
Linked to Los Angeles Lakers as Free Agent
As NBA free agency officially approaches, reports indicate that the Los Angeles Lakers are among the teams pursuing Mamukelashvili, who is expected to command a multi-year contract topping $10 million per season.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Sandro Mamukelashvili, born May 23, 1999, in New York City, has steadily built his NBA career, culminating in a pivotal free agency period in the summer of 2026. After a standout collegiate career at Seton Hall, where he was named Big East co-Player of the Year in 2021, Mamukelashvili was drafted 54th overall by the Indiana Pacers in the 2021 NBA Draft, with his rights subsequently traded to the Milwaukee Bucks.
His early NBA years saw him split time between the Milwaukee Bucks (2021-2023) and their G-League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd, before being claimed off waivers by the San Antonio Spurs in March 2023. He re-signed with the Spurs in July 2023 and again in July 2024, showcasing flashes of his potential, including a career-high 34 points against the New York Knicks in March 2025.
The key turning point in Mamukelashvili's career came in July 2025 when he signed a two-year, $5.5 million contract with the Toronto Raptors. During the 2025-26 season, he experienced a breakout campaign, appearing in 80 games (13 starts) and averaging career highs of 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 21.9 minutes per night. His efficient shooting, including 52.3% from the field and 38.9% from three-point range, earned him votes for Sixth Man of the Year and solidified his role as a versatile frontcourt player. He also made his NBA playoff debut, playing in all seven first-round games against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
As of June 29, 2026, Mamukelashvili declined his $2.8 million player option for the 2026-27 season, opting to enter unrestricted free agency. This decision reflects his significantly increased market value, with agents and analysts projecting he will secure a multi-year contract potentially exceeding $10 million per season. While the Toronto Raptors have expressed interest in re-signing him, they face salary cap challenges, especially with reported pursuits of other high-profile players. Mamukelashvili is expected to be a highly sought-after commodity when free agency officially opens on June 30, 2026, with the Los Angeles Lakers reportedly among the teams showing interest. His current status is that of a prominent unrestricted free agent, poised to sign a lucrative new deal.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Alexander "Sandro" Mamukelashvili made different choices?