Jazz GM Comments on Kelly Olynyk's Future in Utah

The Utah Jazz have a lot on their plate heading into the offseason, which will include a decision centered around Kelly Olynyk’s future. According to Jazz GM Justin Zanik, there’s a good chance Olynyk will be back in Salt Lake City.

“I would anticipate that we would be having him back," Zanik said. “Obviously, we’ll go through the offseason. This is the kind of time to decompress and take a little bit of a break. We have some time to make those decisions, but I was really happy with Kelly’s contributions and he’s fit in great here.”

The Jazz will control how the situation plays out. Olynyk is under contract for 2023-24 for $12.2 million, but Utah could cut the 10-year veteran loose and only be on the hook for $3 million.

Also, trading Olynyk is a possibility with Jazz CEO Danny Ainge steering the ship. Utah could use its stockpile of draft picks and target a star player where Olynyk’s contract may be needed to help match salaries. However, based on Zanik's comments, bringing Olynyk back is still the more likely case.

In his first year with Utah, Olynyk averaged 12.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, while providing veteran leadership in the locker room. The former first-team All-American out of Gonzaga began the year as Utah’s starting center but was later moved to the power forward position due to the emergence of Walker Kessler.

Heading into the 2023-24 season, the Jazz could also opt to select the heir apparent to Olynyk with their first selection in the upcoming draft. Jarace Walker, Cameron Whitmore, and Gradey Dick are all names to keep an eye on that could be available when it’s Utah’s turn to select.

However, the Jazz may need some lottery luck or they'd have to trade up to snag Walker. Most mocks have the standout from Houston going in the No. 6 range while Whitmore and Dick are projected to be 8-10.

Whether Olynyk stays or goes, the Jazz most definitely will be looking for another forward to pair up with All-Star Lauri Markkanen. Given that Markkanen has the skill set to play the three or the four, the Jazz can be flexible in which player they choose.

Jazz fans will know where their first pick lands when the lottery is held on May 16.

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