Rockets Ex Kelly Olynyk: Return to Houston via Trade?
The Houston Rockets need a big man, and they may look back to the past for someone to help their future.
Matt Moore of Action Network is reporting that Utah Jazz big man Kelly Olynyk "is on their short list" of potential centers to acquire.
Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Olynyk, who turns 33 in April, is averaging eight points per game for the Jazz this season, primarily coming off the bench. That's a similar role he could have with the Rockets, who acquired him at the trade deadline in 2021.
When Olynyk came to Houston three years ago, he was given an expanded role for a Rockets team bound for failure. However, if he returned to Houston this season, he would be seen as a backup center for Alperen Sengun and someone who can stretch the floor in the second unit.
Olynyk is making just over $12 million this season and is set to hit free agency in the summer, so he wouldn't cost the Rockets an arm and a leg. Perhaps the Rockets could package Jock Landale, who is making around $8 million this season, with a second-round pick to get the deal done.
The NBA Trade Deadline is set for Thursday, Feb. 8.
