Jazz's Kelly Olynyk Connected to East Contender Ahead of Trade Deadline
Trade chatter around the NBA is going on around the clock in the few days leading into the highly-anticipated deadline. Many teams around the association are investigating the market to make some improvements to their rosters in the second half of the season, and many talks are running through the Utah Jazz.
According to a report from Matt Moore of Action Network, Kelly Olynyk has generated the most interest on the Jazz roster amid the incoming trade deadline, with the Miami Heat sticking out as a potential suitor:
"The Jazz are active in the market, with Jordan Clarkson, Kelly Olynyk and Collin Sexton routinely described as available assets... Olynyk, in particular, is highly sought after in the market. He's a backup center in a market in which everyone wants size help for the playoffs who can also shoot, pass and defend. Miami has shown interest in Olynyk in the past, though with their recent seven-game slide, one source said, "No one knows what the hell Miami is going to do in the next week, as much as we know what any team will do."
Olynyk has played a critical role for the Jazz's second unit during the 2023-24 season, averaging 8.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists on impressive 56.3/42.7/84.3 shooting splits. For any contender seeking size, scoring, and playmaking ability, he's a perfect fit.
The Jazz big man previously spent some time in South Beach in his career from 2017-2021 before being traded at the deadline three years ago. Fast forward to 2024, and it seems as if things could come full circle.
Miami isn't the only squad to get connected to Olynyk this season. The Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets have also had their names scattered in trade rumors leading up to the deadline. With so much interest coming about around the league, it's hard to picture Danny Ainge not at least considering a move with the 11-year vet.
Whoever was to acquire Olynyk ahead of the deadline would take on his expiring $12 million deal into the offseason. If the Jazz did not have an interest in retaining Kelly after this season, a deadline move would be practical.
The NBA trade deadline is approaching quickly on February 8th at 1 PM MT. Make sure to stay on the lookout to see what Utah ends up doing.
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