Raptors’ Kelly Olynyk Says Farewell to Jazz in Heartfelt Thank You Post
As a part of this past week's NBA trade deadline, Utah Jazz fans saw a fan favorite in Kelly Olynyk get shipped off in a deal to the Toronto Raptors alongside Ochai Agbaji, effectively shaking up the landscape of the roster for the second half of the 2023-24 campaign.
It was a no doubt difficult decision to make by sending away the 11-year vet, given that he was a critical cog in the Jazz locker room and second unit. He spent 50 games in Utah this season, where he averaged 8.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists on some effective shooting splits (56.2/42.9/84.2).
After the deal was done, Olynyk went to his Twitter/X account on Tuesday to send a message to the Jazz organization and fans, thanking them for his past year and a half with the franchise:
"Playing in Utah is truly something special. The fans that fill the Delta Center are some of the most passionate fans in the league, and I am grateful to you for welcoming me with open arms. I am fortunate enough to have played for such a world-class organization from top to bottom, and my time with the Jazz has left a lasting impression. To my teammates, coaches, trainers, staff, and everyone else -- thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Olynyk was set to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season with the opportunity to sign elsewhere. As a result, we saw the front office opt to ship him off to his home country for the return of two expiring in Otto Porter Jr, Kira Lewis Jr., and a projected late first-rounder for the 2024 season.
Deadline deals are never simple, and this was no exception. The goal for this roster is not to reach just a Play-In experience, it's to achieve the heights of an NBA championship. While the departure of Olynyk and Agbaji from SLC is a tough pill to swallow, the move is one that should help the forecast of this team's future for the long haul.
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