Report: Celtics ‘Monitoring’ Potential Trade for Jazz C Kelly Olynyk
The rumor mill continues to churn away for the Utah Jazz, with another whisper concerning the potential of an in-season deal appearing again over the holiday weekend. This time, the latest name involved just so happens to be veteran big man Kelly Olynyk.
The second-year Jazzman has had a solid start to his 2023-24 campaign (notably in the efficiency category), effectively pinning him as a prime trade suspect ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Boston Celtics could be a candidate to trade for the Jazz vet ahead of February’s deadline:
"League sources say Boston is among the teams that is monitoring Utah’s Kelly Olynyk in advance of a potential trade pursuit. Olynyk, as covered here before my Showcase trip, is one of a number of Jazz veterans known to be available and the Celtics obviously know him well."
In 28 games played this season, Olynyk has averaged 7.9 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.5 rebounds in just over 20 minutes a night. He could be a key contributor on many contending rosters due to his experience, size, shooting, and playmaking ability, especially for Boston.
Olynyk was a former member of the Celtics dating back to his first few seasons in the league from 2013 to 2017, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in his last year with the franchise. A return could potentially lift him back to those lofty heights and give him a serious path to an NBA championship.
While much time remains between now and the upcoming deadline, this storyline remains one to watch as the season continues. If we fail to see the Jazz jump in the standings into a shot at the Play-In Tournament, it could very well lead to a Danny Ainge fire sale to continue to build this team for the future.
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